Cricket's Unorthodox Training: Players Ditch Pads to Sharpen Skills

Indian cricketers Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel adopted the rare training technique of facing spinners without wearing one of their pads. This method focuses on improving their batting technique, with Sai and Dhruv practicing at the Eden Gardens under coach Gautam Gambhir's supervision. Nitish Reddy may join the squad given Shubman Gill's uncertain participation.

In a rare and fascinating approach to training, Indian cricketers Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel embraced an old-school cricket technique, facing spin bowlers while wearing only one pad. This method, practiced at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, aims to enhance their front-foot technique by forcing them to rely on their bats rather than protective gear.

Sai Sudharsan, a southpaw, deliberately removed his right pad to ensure a substantial front-foot stride, aiming to better counteract deliveries from left-arm and off-spinners. Health risks are inherent in this technique, as he faced the possibility of shin injuries without protection. Despite not playing in the Eden Gardens Test, Sudharsan remains a contender for the next game in Guwahati.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel practiced without his right pad to perfect his reverse sweep, observed closely by head coach Gautam Gambhir. With Shubman Gill's potential unavailability due to a neck spasm, all-rounder Nitish Reddy has been brought into consideration for the upcoming Test, offering his invaluable experience and flexibility as a potential replacement.

(With inputs from agencies.)