WTC Final | Indian bowlers focus on increasing workload ahead of WTC final

Portsmouth: Before the final of the World Test Championship (WTC Final) against Australia (India vs Australia) starting at The Oval from June 7, the Indian cricket team is focusing on increasing the workload of the bowlers. Indian bowlers along with other players of the team (apart from Cheteshwar Pujara) were part of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) T20 tournament which lasted for almost two months before this crucial match. Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav were among the first batch of players to reach England while the IPL final The departure of fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who represented Gujarat Titans, was delayed. Due to rain, the IPL final was played on Monday instead of Sunday. Middle-order batsman Virat Kohli was also among the players who arrived in England in the first batch with the coaching staff led by Rahul Dravid. ALSO READ Kohli joined the team camp on Monday along with Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara is already in England to play for Sussex in the County Championship. The Indian team is expected to have some practice sessions at the Arundel Castle Cricket Club in Sussex before the tie. In a video released by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI), bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said, “So far our preparation has been good. We were just adjusting to the conditions here in the initial season but the last two seasons have been good. I think we have increased his workload a bit.” Mahambre said, “We are happy with the conditions here, it is a good ground. It’s just what you’d expect. The weather is pleasant, a bit cold but living in England you get used to it.” Indian team’s fielding coach T Dileep said that their focus is on the fitness of the players along with catching drills of the fielders who stay close to the batsman. He said, “The players are coming after playing IPL, so for us workload management is the most important thing. During IPL fielding will be the main focus so here we are focusing on catching drills. Especially close to the batsman and more emphasis on slip catching practice. India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour said the focus will also be on adapting to the longer format. He said, “All of them have played a lot of cricket. We are trying to get used to playing with the red ball in whatever time we are getting. (agency)