Newly-appointed Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma began preparations for India’s tour of South Africa by having a training session in Mumbai on Friday. The star batter was seen working with throwdown specialists on a pitch that offered pace and bounce.

Rohit Sharma took to social media to share a video clip from the training session where he can be seen getting back in the groove and playing pace, which is expected to dominate the proceedings during the 3-Test series, starting December 26 in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami also returned to the nets at the National Cricket Academy where he can be seen getting a few overs under his belt. He was rested from the recently-concluded home series against New Zealand along with Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma.

Rohit was seen batting as two throwdown specialists were bowling at the star opener. He was focussed on leaving the good deliveries while he hooked and drove with ease at the nets.

On the other hand, Shami was bowling at full tilt to Kuldeep Yadav at the nets at the NCA in Bengaluru.

Rohit had led India to a 3-0 win over the Black Caps in his first full-time assignment as India’s T20I captain.

Ahead of the South Africa series, Rohit was appointed as India’s Test vice-captain as Ajinkya Rahane lost the role amid continued dip in batting form. Rahane also did not play the 2nd and final Test of the series against New Zealand, which India won 1-0, due to injury concerns.

Rohit will be Virat Kohli’s deputy in South Africa and the opener will look to continue his good form in whites. Rohit has had a fine run in the longest format of the game ever since he started opening in 2019.

FULL SCHEDULE OF SOUTH AFRICA VS INDIA TEST SERIES

1st Test – December 26 to 30 in Centurion

2nd Test- January 3 to 7 in Johannesburg

3rd Test – January 11 to 15 in Cape Town