Watch: Inside Team India's no-mercy fielding workout in Dubai

At the ICC Cricket Academy near Dubai International Stadium, Team India were seen putting in the hard yards, not with bat or ball, but with relentless fielding drills. Away from the spotlight of batting practice and bowling sessions, the squad dedicated an entire training block to catching, run-out simulations, and ground fielding, all under the sharp eye of fielding coach T Dilip.

Known for his inventive methods, Dilip has won praise not only from fans but also from senior members within the squad. His drills are designed to replicate match conditions and push players outside their comfort zones. What made the Dubai session stand out was its intensity. Even senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah was spotted enjoying the fielding routines, while youngsters like Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh threw themselves wholeheartedly into every drill.

Players worked on catching techniques that are usually associated with Test cricket, but Dilip adapted them for white-ball situations. High-pressure scenarios, low diving catches, and flat reflex takes were all part of the mix, giving the squad a taste of situations that often decide big matches.

The energy levels were remarkable. Every player committed as if it were a live match. As our on-ground correspondent Vimal Kumar put it, this is where the difference between a good team and a great team becomes visible. Fielding may not be glamorous, but one sharp catch or a direct hit can shift the course of a tournament.

India’s next assignment is against Oman, a group-stage game that holds little consequence in terms of qualification. With victories over UAE and Pakistan, the defending champions have already sealed a spot in the Super 4s. For Oman, however, it is a chance to test themselves against world champions. For India, it offers an opportunity to refine skills and keep momentum.

All this comes at a time when the handshake controversy continues to dominate headlines off the field. But while narratives swirl around politics and protocol, the Indian camp’s actions speak louder: work hard, stay sharp, and prepare to win. If their Dubai drills were any indication, India are leaving nothing to chance.