In an unusual yet purposeful training exercise, India’s young batters Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel adopted a risky one-pad approach during the team’s optional practice session on Monday. The drill, aimed at improving footwork and bat control against spin, saw Sudharsan and Jurel wearing protection on just one leg while facing the spinners, a method long used by traditional coaches to enhance precision and eliminate overdependence on the front pad.

Batting without a front pad forces players to rely solely on their bat to defend turning deliveries. With no padding to absorb impact, the batter must judge spin and bounce purely by skill and reflex. Coaches have long argued that this drill develops confidence, promotes nimble footwork, and reduces the likelihood of getting trapped leg-before. For Sudharsan, who is vying for a spot in the second Test, this was an essential adjustment as the team looks to strengthen its lineup against quality spin.

Dhruv Jurel, meanwhile, faced spinners without his right pad while working extensively on his reverse sweep technique. The right-hander’s drill emphasized forward stride and correct weight transfer—key elements in mastering unconventional shots against turners. The session, closely supervised by head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, reflected the team’s evolving tactical preparation, especially under challenging subcontinent conditions where spin often dominates proceedings.

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Interestingly, only six players attended the optional nets. Senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was one of them, spending the most time in the middle to refine his touch. However, eyes were on Sudharsan, who struggled a little against pacer Akash Deep, edging several deliveries and appearing tentative against movement. Gambhir was seen speaking at length with the youngster, offering technical advice during multiple breaks.

Adding to the intrigue around team selection, Andhra all-rounder Nitish Reddy joined the squad in Kolkata after being withdrawn from the India A series against South Africa A. With opener Shubman Gill battling a neck spasm and likely to miss the second Test, Reddy, a right-hander with a maiden Test century to his name, could find himself in contention for a spot in the playing XI. The management preferred to have him available early to acclimatize before the Guwahati clash, indicating possible reshuffles in the batting order as India looks to maintain its momentum.

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