India's England Tour: Rahul's Sleep Strategy, Coaching Camaraderie, and the Team's Coffee Ritual

Thursday - 26/06/2025 09:40

The Indian cricket team travelled to Birmingham from Leeds on June 25 for their next Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy match. KL Rahul's personal mattress highlighted players' preference for comfortable sleep. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak were seen exploring the city. Coffee runs and senior players mentoring youngsters marked their downtime, with training possibly resuming on Friday.

Behind the Scenes: Team India's England Tour - Mattresses, Strolls, and Coffee

The Indian cricket team embarked on a bus journey from Leeds to Birmingham on June 25th, marking the next leg of their Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy campaign. The three-hour ride saw the entire squad and support staff making themselves comfortable, with some players opting for personal pillows.

KL Rahul brings his own mattress for consistent sleep during the England tour

KL Rahul, however, took in-flight comfort to another level, bringing along a foldable mattress. The reason? A preference for consistent sleep quality, avoiding the varied firmness of hotel beds. This highlights the increasing focus on player comfort and well-being during grueling tours.

Upon arrival in Birmingham, Jasprit Bumrah made a quick trip to a local grocery store for essentials, while the rest of the team settled into their luxurious accommodations.

Evenings in Birmingham have seen head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak frequently taking evening strolls together, a routine that began during the Champions Trophy in Dubai. This camaraderie and shared downtime is essential for team cohesion.

Coaches Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak seen strolling, fostering team spirit during the England tour

With some time remaining before the second Test, players are enjoying a period of rest and relaxation, exploring the city.

The Caffeine Connection

The team's love affair with coffee, which began in Leeds, is set to continue in Birmingham, London, and Manchester, culminating at The Oval. Before the series opener at Headingley, players were often seen heading out in groups for coffee and meals, highlighting the importance of these social interactions.

The senior players have made it a point to spend time with the younger members of the squad, fostering a sense of unity and mentorship. Before boarding the bus to Birmingham, players like Kuldeep Yadav, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and fielding coach T Dilip made sure to get their caffeine fix before Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh took charge of the music on the bluetooth speaker.

While the team enjoyed a day off from training, preparations are expected to resume soon, with the focus firmly set on the upcoming Test match.