Defending champion Kolkata Knight Riders managed to beat the rain and had its first practice session with the full squad at the Eden Gardens on Monday. Sunil Narine made his return to the field after being cleared of an illegal bowling action.
A day earlier, heavy unseasonal showers hit the venue, forcing the home side to have a restricted session in the indoor facility here. The team management opted for an afternoon-early evening session on Monday as the met office predicted more rains in the coming 48 hours.
The host was in full gear; Narine bowled for a good length of time, with the batsmen, including captain Gautam Gambhir, Yusuf Pathan and Ryan ten Doeschate, taking turns to help the West Indian get back into his rhythm.
The Caribbean off-spinner, who worked on a new action under former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, which eventually secured his clearance for the IPL, had an intense session at the nets, hoping to regain the menacing form that has made him one of the most unpredictable bowlers in the tournament.
The rain prediction came true, and the visitor Mumbai Indians found itself at the receiving end as heavy showers lashed the venue for the second day in succession. Rohit Sharma and company had to remain indoors and could only enjoy some light football on the soggy outfield once the rain stopped.
More rains are forecast for the next two days, threatening both the opening ceremony at the Salt Lake Stadium (Tuesday) and the opening match of the tournament at the Eden Gardens (on Wednesday).
