Indian fast bowler Deepak Chahar was recently seen training with the national cricket team ahead of their crucial third Test match against England at Lord’s. This match is particularly significant as the series is currently tied at 1-1, making the upcoming game a pivotal point in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Chahar, however, was not in official training gear and is not part of the 18-member squad selected for the series. His presence sparked curiosity, but it appears he was merely assisting his teammates in their preparations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not made any formal announcements regarding his involvement.

In addition to Chahar, Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar also joined the team for practice sessions, where he was seen bowling to the Indian batters. This collaborative effort highlights the team’s focus on honing their skills ahead of the challenging Test at Lord’s.

Meanwhile, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant expressed concerns over the quality of the Dukes ball being used in the series. Pant criticized how frequently the ball has been losing its shape, affecting the balance between bat and ball. He noted that players have often approached umpires to request ball changes due to this issue. The inconsistency of the ball’s behavior once it becomes softer has been a source of frustration for both batsmen and bowlers.

Pant emphasized that while players must adapt to these conditions, it is not ideal for cricket as a whole. The unpredictability of the ball’s performance can disrupt the natural flow of the game, making it challenging for players to maintain consistency.

As India prepares for the Lord’s Test, there is speculation about whether they will maintain their strategy of playing two spinners and three pacers, a combination that proved successful in their previous victory at Edgbaston. However, Pant did not confirm any specific team composition plans, indicating that final decisions would be made closer to match day based on pitch conditions.