As Team India gears up for a packed international calendar, Day 1 of the high-intensity intra-squad practice match delivered promising performances from several key players, with Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Shardul Thakur stealing the spotlight.
Held at the scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, the match saw the squad split into two evenly matched sides — Team Rohit and Team Rahul — offering selectors and coaches a closer look at form and fitness ahead of the upcoming Test and limited-overs series.
Shubman Gill Anchors with Classy Half-Century
Opening the innings for Team Rohit, Shubman Gill continued to impress with a stylish knock. He played with elegance and authority, reaching a fluent 76 off 113 balls, studded with ten boundaries. Gill’s ability to handle both pace and spin with finesse was on full display, especially in the way he negotiated the swinging red ball under cloudy conditions.
The Punjab batter looked in prime touch, timing the ball sweetly and showing excellent footwork against the spinners. His partnership with Rohit Sharma provided early stability before the captain was dismissed cheaply by a fiery Shardul Thakur delivery.
KL Rahul Proves Fitness and Form
KL Rahul, leading the other side, had the perfect opportunity to answer questions surrounding his return to full fitness. He did that and more, crafting a measured 64 off 97 deliveries. Batting at No. 4, Rahul weathered the early pressure, rebuilt the innings, and accelerated once settled.
More importantly, Rahul kept wickets for a brief period in the first session, suggesting his readiness to take up the dual role in the upcoming series. His experience and calm presence in the middle were crucial for Team Rahul after early wickets had put them on the back foot.
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Shardul Thakur Makes the Ball Talk
With the red ball, Shardul Thakur emerged as the pick of the bowlers on Day 1. Bowling with rhythm and intent, Thakur scalped three key wickets — including Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal — in a spell that tilted the momentum in favour of Team Rahul during the morning session.
His ability to extract movement and vary pace kept the batters guessing, and he consistently troubled right-handers with deliveries that nipped back in. Thakur finished the day with figures of 3 for 38 in 12 overs, making a strong case for inclusion in India’s Test XI.
Looking Ahead
With Day 1 wrapped up, India’s coaching staff — led by Rahul Dravid — will be pleased with the intensity and competition witnessed on the field. Several younger players like Rinku Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Sarfaraz Khan also got valuable time in the middle, though they are yet to make big statements.
Day 2 will see more rotation in line-ups and another opportunity for players to prove their mettle before final selections are made for the first series of the season, which begins later this month.
For now, the signs are encouraging: Gill is in sublime touch, KL Rahul looks battle-ready, and Shardul Thakur is once again proving why he’s one of India’s most valuable all-format assets.
