Cricket / Shubman Gill Back in Nets, Eases Injury Concerns for India ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

Colombo, Aug 9: In a major boost for India ahead of the two‑match Test series against Sri Lanka, skipper Shubman Gill returned to batting practice on Sunday after missing the ongoing three‑day warm‑up game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.

Gill had sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during a practice session on Thursday, which forced him to sit out of the fixture at the NCC Ground. In his absence, senior wicketkeeper‑batter KL Rahul has been leading the side.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially ruled Gill out of the opening day as a precaution, but he did not bat on the second day either, with Ravindra Jadeja stepping in at number four.

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Concerns over Gill’s availability for the series opener were eased on the final day of the practice match, when the 26‑year‑old was seen taking part in an extended batting session in the side nets. Facing both seamers and spinners, Gill appeared comfortable and showed no visible signs of discomfort.

With the first Test scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15, Gill’s return to active batting provides much‑needed relief to the Indian camp. The team will travel to Galle after the conclusion of their warm‑up game in Colombo. The second and final Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

India currently sits fifth on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Having last played Test cricket in June against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, the team will be eager for a strong showing against sixth‑ranked Sri Lanka to boost their chances of reaching the WTC final.

(IANS)