Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Head to Mumbai as India Implements Strict Training Rules Ahead of Final Test

India's cricket team faced a significant setback as New Zealand secured a 113-run victory in the second Test in Pune, marking the end of India's impressive 12-year unbeaten home record. This defeat follows New Zealand's earlier win in the first Test by 8 wickets, their first victory on Indian soil in 36 years.

As reported by The Indian Express, star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have traveled to Mumbai to reunite with their families. The remaining members of the team and coaching staff will leave shortly thereafter. The final Test is set to take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on November 1, and the players have been granted a two-day break before reconvening for the match.

In a bid to ensure preparedness, players are required to attend two mandatory practice sessions on October 30 and 31. There will be no optional training, as the team management has established strict guidelines, emphasizing the importance of attendance at these sessions.

To minimize injury risks, senior players and fast bowlers were previously allowed to skip net sessions if they had back-to-back matches. However, following the disappointing outcomes of the first two Tests, this privilege has been revoked. India's record of 18 consecutive Test series wins at home has come to an end, raising concerns about their qualification for the World Test Championship final.

After the conclusion of this series, India will head to Australia for a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.