India-Bangladesh, D/N Test: Pujara, Rahane speak about the challenges
What's the story
India and Bangladesh are all set to play their maiden Day-Night Test at the Eden Gardens, starting November 22. SG pink balls will be used in this historic Test match in India. The match will present challenges for cricketers with many playing the format for the first time. However, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have spoken about the challenges.
Twitter Post
WATCH: Pujara and Rahane speak about the D/N Test
Pujara, Rahane looking forward to the historic pink-ball Test
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 12, 2019
Ahead of the Test series, #TeamIndia batsmen @ajinkyarahane88 and @cheteshwar1 are excited to play the pink-ball Test and consider adaptation the key.
Full video here - https://t.co/nsqitG3gaF pic.twitter.com/c3xDx2qTAH
Team India
Only a handful of Indian cricketers have played D/N Tests
For Team India, majority of the cricketers will be playing with the pink ball for the first time in their careers. However, the likes of Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav have experience of playing with the Kookaburra pink ball in Duleep Trophy. It remains to be seen how the SG pink balls shape up at the Eden Gardens.
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Pujara feels experience with pink ball could come in handy
Pujara feels his experience at the domestic level could prove to be crucial. "I have played earlier with pink ball in the Duleep Trophy, that was good experience. Playing with pink ball at the domestic level could come in handy," Pujara told 'bcci.tv'.
Views
Visibility will be an issue in twilight, says Pujara
Pujara also stated that visibility will be an issue in twilight and under lights. "Visibility is not an issue during the day, it will be an issue in twilight and under lights, the twilight could be a little difficult. Those sessions will be crucial." Pujara said. "Most players have said that picking the wrist spinners' wrong 'un is a little difficult."
Rahane's views
Rahane feels practice sessions will help the players immensely
Meanwhile, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said training ahead of the match will be crucial to get familiar with the situation. "It is a new challenge, we don't know how things will pan out. But two-three practice sessions before the match will give us a fair idea about the pink ball -- how much it swings, how the ball plays session wise," said the senior cricketer.
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Rahane feels players won't have much trouble
"Playing the ball late and close to the body will be the key. I don't think we will have much trouble adapting to the pink ball," Rahane added.
Practice
Indian cricketers practice with SG pink balls in Bengaluru
Meanwhile, several Indian cricketers were seen practicing with the SG pink ball under lights at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. The likes of Mayank, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Rahane and Pujara hit the nets under the guidance of former Indian skipper and NCA Head of Cricket, Rahul Dravid. On Sunday, India beat Bangladesh in the final T20I, to win the three-match series 2-1.