Indian Cricket players set to miss Diwali celebrations with families, find out why

After the home series loss to New Zealand, Indian team management has already cracked the whip. According to Indian Express, the players are expected to undergo two training sessions. This move comes ahead of the third and final Test match to be played in Mumbai on 1st November. 

One BCCI source while speaking to Indian Express said, “The team management has asked the players to be present for two days of practice on October 30 and 31. It’s compulsory and no one can skip it.” This move means that Indian cricket stars will not be able to take some time off for Diwali which falls on the 31st of October. 

New Zealand won the Pune Test by 113 runs to break India’s proud home streak of 12 years. Mitchell Santner’s 13 wickets in the game swung the game in New Zealand’s favor as the Indian batters didn’t look settled with the bat. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 77 runs was the best score for India while chasing a massive 359 to win the game. 

India’s WTC final ambitions hang in the balance

With the Test series now done and dusted, India now has to come out swinging in the third and final Test match. Rohit Sharma and his men have to win the game and also hope that they win three more matches in Australia. 

If they fail to do so, the two-time WTC finalists will have to hope that other results go their way. India’s skipper said at the end of the game that he is not ready to do a ‘post-mortem’ despite the humbling loss. 

Rohit said “I am not doubting anyone's ability. I don't want to do too much post-mortem. Batters need to trust their plans. The NZ batters showed us that if you play in a certain method it will work. They were ahead so they were high on confidence."

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul along with skipper Rohit Sharma had left for Mumbai on Saturday. All the players are set to meet on Sunday and start their training for the final Test match starting next Friday.