Batting superstar Virat Kohli spent about 45 minutes in the nets and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah bowled full tilt as the Indian cricket team on Friday began its preparations for a two-Test series against Bangladesh. With the first Test against Bangladesh scheduled here from September 19, the entire squad, including skipper Rohit Sharma and Kohli, assembled at the MA Chidambaram Stadium for a closed door training session.

This would be the first home assignment for new head coach Gautam Gambhir. New bowling coach, South African great Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar were also in attendance. The BCCI posted images of the first day of practice and wrote, “The countdown starts as Team India begin their preps for an exciting home season.” The images showed the entire squad listening attentively to Gambhir, his support staff and skipper Rohit. “Virat was there for 45 minutes and Bumrah also bowled full throttle,” a source told PTI