Focus on fitness and fielding

Rahul Dravid sips a drink at a practice session at Eden Gardens ahead of the tour of Bangladesh © AFP Enlarge

With the World Cup disaster behind them, the Indian team think-tank assembled in Kolkata to begin a five-day conditioning camp, starting on Wednesday, before embarking on the Bangladesh tour.

Newly-appointed cricket manager Ravi Shastri and captain Rahul Dravid flew into Kolkata to work out details of the conditioning camp, which would end on May 6. The team would leave for Bangladesh the next day to play three one-day international matches followed by two Tests.

Bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and fielding coach Robin Singh, both newly appointed, have also arrived Kolkata to participate in the preparations for the conditioning camp which would be worked out by this evening. The camp would be held at the Eden Gardens.

This is India's first outing in the post Greg Chappell era and comes on the back of a defeat to Bangladesh in the World Cup group stage. The Indian team management has already sought details about the weather condition at this time of the year from the Cricket Association of Bengal.

With new fielding coach Robin Singh and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad scheduled to attend tonight's strategy session, the team management would also finalise nitty-gritties of shoring up these two areas. Team physio John Gloster and trainer Gregory Alen King have also reached Kolkata.