With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy delicately poised at 1-1, Team India is going all out in preparation for the third Test against England at Lord’s, aiming to gain a crucial lead in the five-match series. On the eve of the Test, captain Shubman Gill, currently the leading run-scorer of the series, was seen putting in a rigorous net session — but the real surprise came in the form of the bowler he faced.

Deepak Chahar, the discarded India pacer who last represented the country in 2022 and recently played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025, was spotted bowling a long spell to Gill during nets. While not part of the official squad, Chahar was reportedly in the area and joined the practice session on invitation.

Gill, who has been in red-hot form, took the opportunity to face quality swing bowling, especially useful ahead of a Lord’s Test where conditions traditionally aid seamers. According to ESPNCricinfo, Chahar’s presence was coincidental but well-utilized, as he bowled a full-length spell to assist India’s preparations.

This isn’t the first time India’s team management has roped in fringe players for support. Before the second Test in Birmingham, Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar was also seen training with the team. Brar later revealed that he, too, was called in due to his proximity to the team’s location.

A win at Lord’s would put India within touching distance of their first Test series win in England since 2007. With intense competition and strategic improvisation, the third Test promises to be a defining chapter in what has already been an electrifying series.