Think-tank converges on Kolkata for camp

It’s the first time an Indian cricket team is getting so much attention before a Bangladesh tour.

It’s the first time an Indian cricket team is getting so much attention before a Bangladesh tour.

Amid intense media scrutiny following the disastrous World Cup campaign, the Indian team’s new-look think-tank arrived in the city this afternoon.

Interim manager Ravi Shastri and skipper Rahul Dravid, accompanied by assistant coaches Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh tried to keep as low a profile as possible as they checked into a plush South Kolkata hotel.

Story continues below this ad

This will be the new think-tank’s first meeting since the appointment of Shastri as manager, Robin as fielding expert and Prasad as bowling coach. In a two-hour closed-door brainstorming session this evening, Shastri and Dravid chalked out the programme for the May 2 to 6 preparatory camp. The support staff comprises trainer Gregory Allen King, physio John Gloster and masseur Ramesh Mane.

Expectedly, no details of the meeting were revealed, but sources disclosed that strategies on the nature of the daily practice sessions at the Eden gardens were worked out.

The rest of the 21 players troop in tomorrow. The sets off for Bangladesh on May 7. The first of the three ODIs is scheduled for Dhaka on May 10.

It was learnt that Shastri wants a couple of practice matches (simulation matches) at the Eden, apart from the customary training drills. The BCCI’s intention is to make the players go through the grind in the Kolkata heat to get a feel of conditions in Bangladesh. But following suggestions from the Cricket Association of Bengal the five-day camp is likely to see the players go through the paces in two sessions — morning and late afternoon.