Cheteshwar Pujara, who has not played competitive cricket since March, had an extensive net session here on Thursday and looked comfortable facing the fast bowlers as he geared up for what promises to be a gruelling red-ball series against Australia.
Pujara batted both at the side nets and the centre strip where he faced Ishan Porel, Kartik Tyagi, who are with the team as net bowlers, Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The BCCI posted a short video of Pujara’s net session on social media.
The Indian team is allowed to train in its 14-day quarantine, having arrived here last week.
While most India players competed in the IPL, Test regulars Pujara and Hanuma Vihari joined the national team bubble in the UAE before reaching Australia.
Pujara, who last played the Ranji Trophy final, was instrumental in India’s historic win over Australia two years ago and his role at number three will be of immense value, especially after Virat Kohli’s departure following the first Test.