IPL 2020: First nets for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in five months as teams resume training

Bold Diaries: First Practice Session

Watch how the first net session in over 5 months went for most of our players! 🔝#PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/vWsSutD4vw

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 29, 2020

Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained by Kohli, Rohit’s Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals have already had their first net session in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. But, Delhi Capitals will hit the ground running on Saturday evening.

📹 | DAY 1️⃣ | Training in UAE ✅#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/rIRYpbZTsZ

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 29, 2020

“Pleased to inform you that after having completed the mandatory quarantine period in their respective hotel rooms in Dubai, UAE, the Delhi Capitals’ squad and support staff will be taking part in their first nets session this evening,” the Delhi-based franchise said in a statement.

Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Indian players and support staff arrived in the UAE on August 23, following RCB, Mumbai, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.

The teams are assembling for their first training session after seven days of quarantine.

Despite coming off a long break, Kohli had a good hit in the nets which was also attended by South African pace legend Dale Steyn and RCB team director Mike Hesson, among others.

Hesson was seen interacting with both Kohli and Steyn.

A well deserved rest after an excellent first training session for our bowling unit! 😎#PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/nMJK6JCJnd

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 29, 2020

“Been 5 months since the last time I stepped onto the field. Felt like 6 days when I got into the nets. Great first session with the boys,” Kohli tweeted.

In Abu Dhabi, Rohit led his team into the ground and even as he batted, his pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ran in to bowl some quick deliveries and get back his rhythm.

Safety first ✅#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL @MahelaJay @rdchahar1 pic.twitter.com/ud0XBsllwf

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 29, 2020

Rajasthan Royals had their net session at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

In line with the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the BCCI, all the players and support staff underwent a mandatory six-day quarantine after arriving in the UAE.

RT-PCR tests were conducted on everyone on Day 1, 3 and 6 of the quarantine.

The players were already tested multiple times before departure for the UAE. The players and support staff will be tested every fifth day of the tournament.