As the Indian cricket team gear up for a must-win fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, they took some time off to engage in a different kind of sporting action.
On Sunday, the Men in Blue visited Manchester United's training ground in Carrington in an event facilitated by their common sponsor, Adidas. The meeting brought together two iconic sporting sides and featured everything from friendly football and cricket drills to light-hearted banter between players.
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According to Adidas, the event also included a thoughtful exchange of ideas between the coaching teams of both sides.
"This activation marks a significant moment in sports, reinforcing adidas' reputation as a brand that not only equips athletes with premium gear but also brings teams across different sports together," the brand said in its press release.
More: Which Indian batters have scored a Test century at Old Trafford in Manchester?
Siraj bowls to Maguire, Gill and Pant play football with Red Devils
Images from the event quickly lit up social media. Mohammed Siraj was seen bowling to Harry Maguire while Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant enjoyed a round of football with United players.
Jasprit Bumrah chatted with Mason Mount and Maguire and India's head coach Gautam Gambhir posed for a photo with United manager Ruben Amorim. The most widely circulated photo featured the two captains: India's Gill and United's Bruno Fernandes, sharing a moment together.
Manchester United are currently undergoing pre-season ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17, while the Indian cricket team is in Manchester preparing for the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
India trail 1-2 in the series and must win at Old Trafford to stay alive. A loss or a draw would give England the series and crush India's hopes of a Test series win in England after 18 years.
Jasprit Bumrah - earlier reported to be rested- is now likely to feature following injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. Rishabh Pant's return to wicket-keeping is still uncertain due to the finger injury he sustained at Lord's.