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India‘s attention has swiftly shifted to the upcoming three-match ODI series against England after enduring a difficult run in the shortest format. Following a 0-2 T20I series defeat against Ireland and an unassailable 3-0 deficit against England in the ongoing five-match T20I series, the Men in Blue are looking for a fresh start in the 50-over format. With senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set to return under the leadership of Shubman Gill, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has shared an intriguing story about Kohli’s extraordinary preparation to master English conditions.
Bangar’s revelation offers a rare insight into the relentless work ethic that has defined Kohli’s career and explains how the batting great transformed one of the biggest challenges of his international journey into one of his greatest successes.
Sanjay Bangar recalls Kohli’s intense training after 2014 disappointment
Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Bangar reflected on Kohli’s determination to overcome the struggles he experienced during India’s 2014 tour of England. That series proved to be one of the toughest phases of Kohli’s career, as he repeatedly found himself dismissed by the moving ball. According to Bangar, Kohli made significant changes to his preparation before returning to England during the 2017-18 period. The focus was simple but demanding—learning to play the swinging ball later and improving his technique against seam movement.
“When you go to England, the entire game comes down to two things: how well you counter the swing, and how late you can play the ball,” Bangar explained.
He added that Kohli was determined to erase the memories of 2014 by putting in countless hours of focused practice before the tour.
Mumbai practice sessions recreated English conditions
Bangar also revealed how India’s support staff went to remarkable lengths to replicate English playing conditions during training camps in Mumbai. The former batting coach disclosed that practice sessions often began before sunrise to take advantage of the morning dew, helping bowlers generate movement similar to what batters encounter in England.
“Our routine was brutal; we would hit a Mumbai ground by 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning just to chase the early dew. We wanted to start as early as possible so we could replicate English conditions, utilising the heavy morning atmosphere and the natural moisture on an uncovered pitch,” added Bangar.
The preparation did not stop there. Bangar revealed that whenever the sun reduced the moisture on the pitch, the coaching staff deliberately watered the surface to keep conditions challenging.
“If the sun came out and the moisture on the wicket started dropping, we would literally pour extra water onto the surface just to keep the ball snaking around,” he recalled.
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Experienced stars return as India seek ODI revival
With the fifth T20I now carrying little significance, India’s focus is firmly on the ODI series, which begins in Birmingham on Tuesday. Kohli and Rohit are expected to strengthen the batting unit after sitting out the T20Is, while Gill will continue leading the side. Kohli recently trained alongside Bangar in Mumbai before departing for England, signalling his intent to hit the ground running. His experience in English conditions, combined with Rohit’s presence at the top of the order, will be crucial as India attempt to bounce back from a disappointing white-ball campaign and restore confidence in the 50-over format.
Bangar’s recollections underline the dedication behind Kohli’s success and highlight the meticulous preparation that has long separated him from many of his contemporaries.
