Team India has arrived in the Caribbean ahead of their upcoming series against the West Indies. The tour will feature 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20Is, with the first match scheduled for July 12th in Dominica. Prior to the series, the team engaged in a friendly volleyball session as a means to relax and overcome any jetlag, with head coach Rahul Dravid even joining in on the fun.
The video footage captures scenic shots from inside the team’s flight, with Ishan Kishan extending a warm welcome to the West Indies. Players such as Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, and Rahul Dravid were seen participating in a spirited game of volleyball, with Dravid and Virat Kohli playing on the same side. Soham Desai, Team India’s Strength and Conditioning coach, explained that this recreational session was aimed at helping the players shake off the effects of the long flight.
India’s recent journey to the Caribbean follows their defeat to Australia in the World Test Championship final at the Kennington Oval last month. The team experienced a comprehensive 209-run loss, resulting in Australia lifting the championship trophy.
Notably, the BCCI has introduced some uncapped players in the Test squad, and the exclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara has sparked significant discussion. The commencement of the Test series also marks the beginning of a new cycle for India in the World Test Championship.
All eyes will be on the West Indies as they face the formidable Indian team, especially after their disappointing performance in the ICC 2023 World Cup qualifiers. The former champions suffered defeats in all three matches during the Super Six stage of the qualifiers, leading to their elimination from World Cup contention following a seven-wicket loss to Scotland.
𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗻! 📍
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 3, 2023
Ishan Kishan takes over the camera to shoot #TeamIndia's beach volleyball session in Barbados 🎥😎
How did Ishan – the cameraman – do behind the lens 🤔#WIvIND | @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/ZZ6SoL93dF
While the West Indies have displayed a mediocre performance in ODIs and T20Is, they have proven to be a formidable force in Test cricket, particularly when playing at home. Their victory over England by a margin of 1-0 in the three-Test series last year serves as a testament to their capabilities.
