The session was highlighted by a spirited and competitive duel between Kohli and left-arm seamer
A competitive edge in the nets
The intensity remained high when Kohli returned to face Arshdeep again. After missing his first delivery, Kohli continued to trade jibes in Punjabi with the bowler. Even after moving to the adjacent nets to face spinners Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, and Kuldeep Yadav, the competitive spirit did not wane. Kohli frequently needled Arshdeep with playful appeals, even mimicking a DRS gesture when the bowler appealed during his own spell.
The interaction with the bowling unit extended beyond mere competition. Kohli took the time to share his technical insights, discussing the importance of bowling lengths and mindset. He recounted a past experience facing a sharp delivery from Jofra Archer in the IPL to illustrate how specific lengths can challenge a batter, providing valuable context to the younger bowlers on the squad.
Purposeful preparation
Throughout the afternoon, Kohli faced a comprehensive mix of fast bowling, spin, and throwdowns, ensuring he ticked off all his preparation requirements. His engagement was not limited to his own batting; he was seen in frequent conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer, maintaining a high level of focus throughout the session.
Despite the competitive nature of the practice, the mood remained professional and energetic. As the session concluded, Kohli transitioned from his intense training mindset to interacting with fans, patiently signing autographs before departing the facility. The session underscored his commitment to maintaining match-like intensity, ensuring he was fully prepared for the challenges ahead in the ongoing series against New Zealand.
