TimesofIndia.com in Mullanpur: Three days after the IPL final, Team India are trying to undo 75 days of muscle memory. Late-night matches, post-game recovery sessions stretching into the early hours, and leisurely mornings defined the players' routines during the tournament. Now, those habits have been replaced by early breakfasts, long net sessions, and the demands of red-ball cricket. Before they face Afghanistan, India's cricketers must first overcome the lingering effects of the IPL grind and reset their body clocks for the longest format.
Eight cricketers from India's 15-member squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan were involved with the IPL 2026 finalists Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). Seven of them, including captain Shubman Gill, pacers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, opener Sai Sudharshan, and all-rounder Washington Sundar played for GT in the final. Devdutt Padikkal featured for RCB.
And after a couple of days, the Test squad has assembled in Chandigarh and started their preparations for the red-ball contest. The scheduling has been punishing for the cricketers. And this is just the beginning.
Later this year, India travel to New Zealand for a three-format tour from October 22 until December 1. The turnaround between India's fifth ODI and the first Test against the Kiwis is just three days. The fifth ODI is scheduled for November 15, and the first Test of the two-match series will kick-start on November 19.
Team India's assistant coach
Ryan ten Doeschate said on Thursday that the scheduling issue has been addressed, and Strength and Conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux has charted a plan for the players to shake off their IPL hangover.
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir (L) during a practice session ahead of the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. (PTI)India's head coach Gautam Gambhir (L) during a practice session ahead of the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. (PTI)
"It is a great point. Like you say, the IPL time cycle is so different to what Test matches require. The guys have had three days to do it," he told reporters on Thursday.
"They had an early training session on Wednesday. Today (Thursday) is in [the] afternoon. Tomorrow (Friday) will be morning again. Tomorrow will be optional. I think guys have taken it upon themselves to get up early. I have seen a lot of guys around the breakfast room in the last couple of days.
"Adrian (Le Roux) scheduled some gym stuff early morning just to force guys to get up and adjust their time slot. These guys are good professionals. They know what is required and they will be adjusting accordingly to make sure that they are ready come Saturday morning for the Test match and an early start," he added.
According to Ten Doeschate, managing sleep cycles has emerged as one of the biggest challenges during the transition, especially after the IPL.
"Our job is just to prepare the players for what is ahead of them. Sleep cycle is probably top of that list, and that is being addressed," ten Doeschate said.
But changing sleeping patterns is only one part of the process. The larger task, according to the former Netherlands all-rounder, is helping players shed T20 habits and rediscover the patience and discipline that Test cricket demands.
"But I guess from a white to red ball perspective or IPL to Test match cricket is really detoxing them, and that is what these three days have been," he said.
"You want to make sure guys are making decisions based on where the ball is pitched. You want to make a few technical tweaks on how you set up maybe and how you keep your bat shape and all those sort of things," ten Doeschate explained.
From a white to red ball perspective or IPL to Test match cricket is really detoxing them, and that is what these three days have been
Ryan ten Doeschate
India's training sessions over the last few days have reflected that philosophy. Long batting drills, slip-catching practice and extended bowling spells have replaced the explosive, high-tempo routines associated with T20 cricket.
"The last two days and obviously today and tomorrow have been all about that," Ten Doeschate said.
"Just detoxing guys, making sure that those habits that are required to be successful in white-ball cricket are put to bed and they focus on playing proper Test cricket."
Mohammed Siraj during a practice session ahead of the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan in Mullanpur. (PTI)Mohammed Siraj during a practice session ahead of the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan in Mullanpur. (PTI)
Ten Doeschate also acknowledged the unique challenge of jumping straight from the IPL into a one-off Test in extreme summer conditions.
"I don't think good or bad is worth reflecting on. It is certainly a challenge," he said.
The Indian cricket team's assistant coach pointed out that India's players have rarely shied away from difficult assignments, whether technical, tactical or mental.
"You are playing an IPL final five days ago at night time, and now you have got to come and start a Test match early in the morning at 34-35 degrees. Just another challenge on the road and the guys will take it on like they always do," he added.
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