India vs Pakistan: Team India’s Final Training, Gambhir’s Pitch Check & Why Support Staff Say “Focus on Controllables”

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Team India’s final practice session: who was spotted

Team India reported for its last practice ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash at around 5:00 pm local time. A majority of the squad trained; a few names were understood to be missing from the optional drills. Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav were among those seen working out in the nets and fielding lanes.

Gambhir & captain check the pitch

Head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with the team captain, visited the ICC venue to take a close look at the pitch behaviour and surface preparation. The staff assessment, as described by the camp, was routine pre-match diligence—reading hardness, grass cover, and possible dew windows to fine-tune the XI and match-ups.

Support staff briefing: sentiment noted, focus stays on the job

Addressing the media, support staff member Ryan ten Doeschate (introduced at the presser as an assistant coach) acknowledged the emotional load around India–Pakistan fixtures but underlined the team’s message: control the controllables.

• The group has discussed the sentiments attached to the rivalry and is aware of the broader context.
• The internal brief, credited to Gautam Gambhir, is clear: “Don’t spend energy on what isn’t in our hands; double down on what is.”
• Travel and participation proceeded after formal permissions, and the focus now is strictly on-field execution.

“India start as favourites”—with a T20 warning label

Ten Doeschate added that, man-for-man, India start as favourites—a rare on-record confidence from the support box before such a marquee game. He also cautioned that T20 can flip: a Pakistan win would require a near-perfect “upset” night, not impossible but statistically less likely if India hit their basics.

Buzz check: softer stadium frenzy than usual

From the ground, the stadium buzz felt quieter than the classic, fever-pitch India–Pakistan build-ups—fewer celebrity sightings and lighter last-day scramble for premium seats. That doesn’t reflect player intensity; it’s more a spectator-behaviour shift (heat, prices, logistics) with many fans opting for TV/OTT watch parties.

What to watch in the last 24 hours

• Toss & conditions: If dew is forecast, chasing bias may shape the call.
• Top-order tempo:Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav were active in nets—early strike rate vs. new ball swing is pivotal.
• Match-ups: India’s powerplay plans vs. Pakistan’s new-ball pair; middle-overs spin against Pakistan’s right-hand core.
• Controllables checklist: Fielding intensity, extras control, and boundary-denial in overs 16–20.

The dressing-room line, distilled

• We respect the rivalry; we won’t be ruled by it.
• Stick to our processes; don’t feed distractions.
• Back our depth; expect a fight; embrace small margins