Judging by Virat Kohli's latest training session, it's going to be a case of bowlers beware in this year's IPL in the UAE.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore captain has been working up a sweat with his teammates in Dubai – and looks to be very much ready for action.
The 31-year-old shared clips and images of himself batting in the nets, fielding, playing football and then undertaking an ice bath to recover from the day's exertions.
"Proper session + proper humidity + great recovery," he tweeted, while also posting a video showing an exemplary lofted cover drive to which he said "Nothing like a proper cricketing shot".
Royal Challengers Bangalore meanwhile gave a glimpse of Kohli looking sharp as he practised his fielding.
The rescheduled IPL season will be played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi from September 19 to November 10.
The tournament was moved to the UAE due to the health situation in India caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Six of teams are located in Dubai, while two - Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders – are based in the capital.
The players spent time in quarantine after first arriving in the country and took part in a vast Covid-19 testing operation.
Kohli has urged everyone involved to also ensure the bio-security of the league as a single breach could jeopardise the tournament.
“I would expect everyone to be on the same page in terms of securing the bubble at all times, and making sure that nothing is compromised," Kohli told his team members during a meeting via Zoom after arriving in the UAE.
“One mistake from anyone of us could literally spoil the whole tournament, and none of us would want to do that."
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Abu Dhabi Cricket facilities undergo sci-fi transformation to accommodate IPL teams
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Workers in PPE disinfecting the practice area at Abu Dhabi Cricket in order for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders to train ahead of the IPL. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Workers in PPE disinfecting the practice area at Abu Dhabi Cricket in order for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders to train ahead of the IPL. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Mahela Jayawardene issues instructions. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Bowling coach Shane Bond gives advice. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Workers in PPE disinfecting the practice area at Abu Dhabi Cricket in order for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders to train ahead of the IPL. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Shane Bond and Hardik Pandya. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Zaheer Khan and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Workers in PPE disinfecting the practice area at Abu Dhabi Cricket in order for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders to train ahead of the IPL. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Jasprit Bumrah and Mahela Jayawardene. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
Workers in PPE disinfecting the practice area at Abu Dhabi Cricket in order for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders to train ahead of the IPL. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket -
IPL COO Hemang Amin and Abu Dhabi Cricket curator Mohan Singh. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket
