The home Test series between India and South Africa is set to begin in Kolkata on Friday, November 14. Ahead of this, both teams have already begun their preparations. Two days before the first Test against South Africa, the BCCI on Wednesday morning shared a captivating video of Team India’s rigorous preparations at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens.

The video shows everything from the ground staff at work to the players sweating it out before the opening Test. The clip, posted on the board’s social media platforms, is being well-received by fans.

Various drills of team India

The video shows the coaching staff conducting fielding drills, bowlers preparing their run-ups, and batsmen perfecting their technique in the nets. India’s bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was seen testing young batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill, while head coach Gautam Gambhir kept a close eye on the entire process. The montage ends with a brief but symbolic frame captioned, “Homecoming in white.”

Shubman Gill, who returned to T20 International cricket after a long hiatus, spent over 90 minutes in the red-ball nets, working hard on his timing and balance. Before starting his practice session, the Indian captain was seen discussing the upcoming Test in detail with head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak.

Watch the glimpses of practice here

Gill, who scored a half-century and a century in India’s last Test series against the West Indies, looked determined to regain his form after the limited-overs series in Australia. He faced spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the nets. He then went to the nets to practice fast bowling against Nitish Kumar Reddy and local bowlers. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had a stellar Ranji Trophy campaign, also played a long innings, confidently driving and pulling through the off-side. The BCCI video focuses on behind-the-scenes footage and players, providing updates on India’s return to the domestic Test team.