Gill, KL Rahul, others reflect on English conditions
Leeds, June 18 (UNI) Ahead of the much-anticipated five-Test series against England beginning June 20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday released a video on social media platform X, offering fans a rare window into the thoughts and emotions of India players as they prepare for the demanding English conditions.
The video, featuring top Indian cricketers including Shubman Gill, Prasidh Krishna, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Sai Sudharsan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shardul Thakur, and Karun Nair, reflects a mix of tactical insight, nostalgia, and admiration for the English cricketing atmosphere.
"The Dukes ball—that's number one," said Shubman Gill, pointing to the unique challenge of playing red-ball cricket in England. "The weather's always changing—exciting but tough. And then there's the atmosphere of the ground—it's something special."
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna echoed this sentiment: "First, it's the Dukes ball, then the weather. But I love walking around the city with a good cup of coffee, it calms the nerves and lets you soak in the vibe of England."
All-rounder Washington Sundar highlighted India's recent successes on English soil, adding, "Swing and seam are key here. But we've been doing well in these conditions, and that builds confidence. Plus, the food's great!"
Sai Sudharsan added a lighter note, saying, "It's the weather, hot chocolate, and the Dukes ball for me, that's England."
Senior batsman KL Rahul described the English summer as a cricketer's dream: "It really feels like proper Test cricket in England. The summer here is unlike anything back home. When the sun's out, the conditions are just perfect—it's a joy to play." He also noted, "There's so much to explore outside cricket, great restaurants, cafes, it helps you unwind."
Karun Nair reflected on the scenic side of the tour, saying, "There's a rich cultural character to these places, with beautiful houses, green spaces, and a distinct English charm. You feel like you're part of something classic."
Yashasvi Jaiswal kept it simple: "Beautiful. Lord's. Houses. That's what comes to mind."
Shardul Thakur, known for his all-round flair, shared a poetic image: "The greenery here is unmatched. I often picture myself holding a cup of coffee, enjoying the weather and everything England has to offer."
As Team India brace for a challenging series, the video serves as both a morale-booster and a strategic tone-setter. With the Dukes ball, swinging conditions, and historic venues setting the stage, Team India appears not only prepared but also emotionally attuned to the rhythms of English Test cricket.
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