WATCH: ‘Brutal power!’ – Suryakumar Yadav reacts to Abhishek, Rinku, Washington’s sixes in nets

Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar and Abhishek Sharma. (Source – BCCI)

Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar trained hard ahead of the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on October 6. Captain Suryakumar Yadav was also present in the nets and was seen motivating his teammates, who were smashing the ball all around.

BCCI shared the video on their social media handles in which Abhishek, Rinku and Washington were seen hitting sixes. Kolkata Knight Riders played with an attacking mindset all through IPL 2024 and with their coach Gautam Gambhir taking charge of the national team, India are looking set to play a similar, aggressive brand of cricket, especially in the shortest format. Whether the training video was a glimpse of what’s to come can only be deciphered in the upcoming T20I series.

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Meanwhile, the captain was encouraging each shot of his teammates. He was heard talking to Rinku about his brutal power, while motivated Washington saying ‘Good shot, Washi!’. The Mumbai-born was also impressed with Abhishek’s shot-making ability.

The Captain gets candid in Gwalior 😃

Suryakumar Yadav reacts to #TeamIndia batters in the nets, with a unique description for each 😎 #INDvBAN | @surya_14kumar | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/syjQsfyZcF

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2024

Suryakumar announced India’s opening combination

The captain confirmed that Sanju Samson will open the innings alongside Abhishek. The Kerala-born cricketer has opened for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and in the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, he has a brilliant opportunity to impress the team management.

“Sanju Samson will play and open the batting in this series going forward with Abhishek Sharma,” Suryakumar said in the pre-match press conference.

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The 34-year-old was also impressed by Mayank Yadav in the nets. He believes that the ace pacer is an X-factor and indicated that the Delhi-born may make his international debut in the first T20I against Bangladesh.

“He definitely has the X factor – it was evident when he played franchise cricket. He has that extra pace. I didn’t face him in the nets; our net plan was such that someone else faced him. But I have seen what potential he has and what difference he can make for the team. From that point of view, I feel he is a good addition to the Indian team and I am hoping he will do well,” Suryakumar said.