IND vs PAK: Arch-Rivals Set for Separate Training Sessions Ahead of High-Stakes T20 Clash in Colombo
COLOMBO: The Indian and Pakistani cricket teams have finalized distinct training schedules at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) ahead of their highly anticipated T20 encounter this Sunday. To accommodate both squads and media obligations, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and local organizers have allocated separate afternoon and evening slots for the arch-rivals.
Official Training and Media Schedule at RPICS
According to the official itinerary released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan squad will utilize the facility during the afternoon heat, while Team India is scheduled to train under lights in the evening. Both sessions will be preceded by mandatory media interactions.
“Pakistan will have a training session at the RPICS from 14h00 to 17h00 local time and hold a media interaction at the Press Conference Room starting around 13h45,” the statement confirmed. Following their departure, the Indian contingent will take the field. “India will have a training session at the RPICS from 18h00 to 21h00 local time and hold a media interaction at the Press Conference Room starting around 17h30.”
Scheduled Timings (Local Time)
| Activity | Pakistan | India |
|---|---|---|
| Media Interaction | 13:45 | 17:30 |
| Training Session | 14:00 – 17:00 | 18:00 – 21:00 |
| Venue | RPICS, Colombo | RPICS, Colombo |
Atmosphere and Squad Updates
Team India received a vibrant reception upon their arrival in Colombo on Friday. Local cultural troupes greeted the squad with traditional drumming and dance performances at the airport. Pacer Arshdeep Singh was seen engaging with the performers, a moment that gained significant traction on social media platforms. In contrast, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir maintained a focused demeanor as the team proceeded to their hotel.
The management faces crucial selection decisions. While established stars like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are expected to anchor the lineup, attention is also on the younger contingent. Abhishek Sharma, currently recovering from a bout of illness, is aiming to regain full fitness after a challenging start to the tournament.
Key Players to Watch
- Suryakumar Yadav: Critical for middle-order acceleration.
- Hardik Pandya: Offers balance with both bat and ball; holds a strong record against Pakistan.
- Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner could be pivotal given the track conditions at RPICS.
- Tilak Varma: Expected to bolster the batting lineup, following successful outings in previous continental tournaments.
Pitch Conditions and Tactical Outlook
Historical data from ESPN Cricinfo suggests that the pitches at the R. Premadasa Stadium tend to slow down as the game progresses, offering significant assistance to spin bowlers. Consequently, the inclusion of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy could prove to be a strategic masterstroke for India.
With Pakistan training in the afternoon, they may experience different surface conditions compared to India’s evening session under lights, where dew could become a factor. Both teams will look to maximize these final practice hours to adapt to the humid Colombo weather before the Sunday showdown.