Sources indicated that with a lunar eclipse underway from 3.20 pm to 6.47 pm, the team management chose not to begin practice during what was considered an inauspicious period as per the Hindu calendar.

Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker, both members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, have been appointed as the on-field umpires for the high-stakes clash.

While Abhishek has struggled for rhythm in his maiden World Cup, Samson produced a match-defining knock in a virtual quarterfinal against West Indies, batting through a steep chase to seal India’s knockout berth.

Participants of the red-ball camp included a batch of fast bowlers from various state associations and high-performance monitoring groups who are currently on the national selectors’ radar.

India is scheduled to play 15 ODIs for the remainder of 2026 in a tune-up for the 2027 World Cup.

Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 97 to take India past the West Indies and help the team qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals.

With a target of 196, India will need to complete a record chase to confirm its spot in the semifinal.

India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, stressed that in the T20 World Cup’s final phase, experienced players will need to step up and play a key role.