New Delhi, August 9: The Indian cricket team received encouraging news ahead of their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Regular captain Shubman Gill has resumed batting practice as of Sunday. Gill had missed batting in the ongoing warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI due to a finger injury.
During Thursday’s practice session, Gill sustained an injury to his right ring finger while batting, which kept him off the field on the first day of the warm-up match. In his absence, KL Rahul took over the captaincy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement indicating that Gill would not field on the first day as a precaution due to his finger injury. However, he also did not bat on the second day, with Ravindra Jadeja stepping in to bat at number four.
Concerns regarding Gill’s availability for the first match of the series were largely alleviated by the end of the practice match, as the 26-year-old was seen participating fully in a lengthy batting session in the side nets. Photos showed Gill facing both fast bowlers and spinners without any apparent discomfort. His return to practice is a significant boost for the Indian team ahead of the first Test, scheduled to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. After the warm-up match concludes in Colombo on Sunday, the Indian team will head to Galle.
The second and final Test of the series will take place from August 23 to 27 at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground in Colombo. Currently sitting fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, India must perform strongly against Sri Lanka to enhance their chances of reaching the finals.
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