The Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team seems to be leaving no stone unturned in its preparation for the West Indies tour. Overseen by newly-appointed coach Anil Kumble, the team had a training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.  A steady spell of showers on the first day of the camp did not dampen their spirits as the players opted for indoor training followed by rigorous net sessions over the following days.

The Indian team along with their new coach and limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni engaged in a team bonding session before their departure to the West Indies on Tuesday. The ace members of the team including captain Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Umesh Yadav and a few others were seen practicing yoga as a measure to compose themselves and also stretch a few muscles. Soon after the yoga session ended, the entire team tried their hand at a few musical instruments and were seen dancing to the music for a good 45 minutes. The purpose behind organizing the whole session was to take the team into the series with a strong emotional bond and help them enjoy their game.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the ex-Test captain of the Indian Team also gave a motivational talk to the squad explaining the importance of having fun. Here is what he had to say, “If we can have fun playing 45 minutes of musical instruments, I am sure we can have fun while playing cricket. This is the period where Indian cricket will move forward. The last 2 – 3 years, we have been talking about youngsters getting into Test cricket, but now we have a set of talented batsmen and a pool of good bowlers ready for the Test arena.” He went further to say that the team should stick together during tough times in order for them to emerge as a successful unit. “It is important to enjoy the period which is tough but till you stick together as unit, there is nothing that will stop you. Make sure to have a lot of fun,” he said.

The MI skipper Rohit Sharma seemed to have loved the team bonding session and said that it is important for the team to have such sessions. He also stated that such sessions help the team gel together and that they are looking forward to more of these. He commented, “To be honest, we didn’t expect it and as soon as we entered the room, we were overjoyed. I am sure everyone enjoyed it as it was something that was never done before. It was a team bonding session and it is always good to have these kind of sessions. It is always important before going for a tour that the team gels together and laughs together as it helps the team stick together during tough times. It is important to unwind after a hectic day.”

The Indian team will be playing four Test matches, with the series spanning from the 21st of July to the 22nd of August. With a fairly new but aggressive skipper in Virat Kohli, the legendary Anil Kumble as coach, and a team bonding session just before the series, it promises to be an exciting contest for Team India!