In the run-up to the upcoming T20I series against Australia, the Indian cricket team carried out a vibrant practice session at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, and the atmosphere was one of energy, camaraderie and light-hearted competition. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the side as captain, and Gautam Gambhir fulfilling his role as head coach, there were glimpses of leadership, laughter and serious intent all rolled into one.
The session kicked off with fielding drills which were organised in a creative manner. Fielding coach T. Dilip divided the squad into two groups for a direct-hit drill, a competitive format that introduced an element of fun while sharpening skills. The tone was set early: laughter and friendly banter filtered through the practice environment, signalling that while the team was here to work hard, they were doing so in good spirits. Reports noted that “the atmosphere was full of fun, banter and laughter.”
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav was seen doing “shadow batting” around the fielding drills, a visible sign of his leadership style that combines active participation and readiness. After the fielding games, the squad moved into net sessions where the focus ramped up. Young batters such as Tilak Varma and Shubman Gill were given particular attention. Gambhir was spotted having lengthy discussions with Gill during his batting practice, indicating the coach’s hands-on approach in integrating the next generation into the aggressive template the team intends to play.
For his part, Suryakumar remained engaged, partaking in drills and fostering the kind of dynamic that bridges mentorship and peer leadership. The dual dynamic of coach and captain working in tandem was evident: Gambhir offering strategic guidance, and Suryakumar executing with example.
Beyond the batting nets, the bowling and all-round sections also had their share of action. Players such as Washington Sundar and Arshdeep Singh did discipline-based practice while others like Abhishek Sharma rolled their arms over and even moved into batting to switch modes and loosen up for the encounter ahead. There was also some role-reversal fun: for example the pair Rinku Singh and Kuldeep Yadav engaged in a light challenge — Rinku bowling while Kuldeep attempted to batter, accompanied by smiling faces, mock taunts and shared camaraderie.
Yet while the session was marked by levity, the underlying message was unmistakably serious. The series ahead is important, and as the team builds towards the home T20 World Cup, these practice sessions serve dual purposes: building team chemistry and fine-tuning execution. The blend of intense drills with side-by-side fun reflects a modern approach to preparation — one that understands mental freshness is as important as physical readiness.
For Suryakumar Yadav, the captaincy comes with tonnes of responsibility. For Gambhir, his role as head coach involves shaping both strategy and mindset. Their interactions throughout the session reflect mutual respect and a common goal: to instil clarity, confidence and cohesion among the set up. Gambhir’s active engagement with the players reinforces that he is not just a figurehead but a working coach. At the same time, Suryakumar’s visible participation and relaxed demeanour during net drills show that his leadership style places value on leading by doing and maintaining the team spirit.
In conclusion, what was perhaps most striking about the practice session was the synergy between fun and focus. There were moments of laughter, light-hearted challenges, competitive drills and serious coaching instructions — all underpinned by a clear objective: to be ready, together, for the coming challenge. The combination of Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership and Gautam Gambhir’s coaching presence creates a positive vibe for the squad. As the series against Australia looms, this session offers a glimpse of a side grounded in enjoyment, yet firmly committed to performance.