India Team's Birmingham Practice Session Turns Into Heartwarming Reunion: Watch the Nostalgic Moments

Familiar Faces and Fond Memories: Team India's Nostalgic Net Session in Birmingham

Amidst the rigorous preparations for the second Test against England, the Indian cricket team experienced a heartwarming surprise at Edgbaston. Familiar faces from back home joined the team for net practice on Saturday, transforming the training session into a nostalgic reunion.

Harpreet Brar and Arshdeep Singh share a light moment during practice.

The BCCI shared a video titled “Catching Up in Birmingham ft. Arshdeep Singh,” capturing current and former teammates reminiscing about their journey from junior cricket to the international stage. The clip showcased emotional moments and heartfelt exchanges, highlighting the deep camaraderie within the cricket fraternity.

Spinner Harpreet Brar aptly summarized the atmosphere, saying, “Found friends on foreign soil.”

India pacer Arshdeep Singh, who reunited with Jagjit Singh Sandhu, a first-class cricketer from Chandigarh now in England and assisting Team India as a net bowler, stated, “You come to a foreign country and see familiar faces - you can enjoy together.”

Brar added, “My wife is from Swindon. It’s just a short drive, and when Shubman [Gill] texted me yesterday, I thought - let’s go and practice.”

Jagjit fondly recalled his ties with Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Arshdeep from their junior cricket days. He reminisced, “I used to guide Arshdeep during his U-16 days. Today, he was still asking me which ball swings more.” Arshdeep warmly acknowledged, “I learned a lot from him.”

The session was filled with laughter, advice, and shared memories, reaffirming the strong bonds within the cricket community, even across continents. Arshdeep expressed his desire to create more such memories, stating, “I want to make more such memories.”

Meanwhile, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah made his return to the nets, bowling for over half an hour in full rhythm. A final decision on his availability for the second Test is still pending, but his return has raised hopes within the team.

The Indian team also dedicated time to improving their lower-order batting, addressing the collapses experienced in both innings at Leeds. The team will take a break on Sunday before resuming practice on Monday, in preparation for the Edgbaston Test commencing on Wednesday.