COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — India captain Shubman Gill is “very much ready” for the opening Test against Sri Lanka, spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said after the skipper returned to action during the final day of India’s warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Gill had missed the opening two days after taking a blow to his finger during training but returned with a 44-run knock as India successfully chased 207.
- Gill returns: The India captain scored 44 off 54 balls in his first competitive outing of the warm-up.
- Coach’s assessment: Sairaj Bahutule said Gill is “very much ready” for the first Test.
- Padikkal impresses: Devdutt Padikkal smashed an unbeaten 142 during India’s first innings.
- Test series: India’s two-match series against Sri Lanka begins on August 15 in Galle.
Shubman Gill returns ahead of Sri Lanka Test
Gill’s absence from the first two days of the practice match had raised attention ahead of India’s Test series. According to Bahutule, however, the decision to keep the captain away from the opening part of the game was precautionary rather than an indication of a continuing fitness concern.
“It was just a precaution more than anything else. And he has been absolutely fine. He has been doing his training.”
Gill subsequently returned to the field on the final day and played a brisk innings that helped India build momentum during the chase. Bahutule said the batter’s return was flawless and confirmed his readiness for the Test opener.
“He is very much ready for the Test match.”
India complete successful warm-up chase
Sri Lanka Cricket XI won the toss and chose to bat first before declaring their innings at 363/8. Ravindu Rasantha led the scoring with 71 off 143 balls, while Nishan Fernando made 66 from 65 deliveries and captain Sonal Dinusha contributed 52 from 72 balls.
For India, Manav Suthar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each. Suthar finished with 2/33, Jadeja took 2/64 and Kuldeep returned 2/76.
Aqib Nabi, who was drafted into India’s squad as Jasprit Bumrah’s injury replacement, did not bowl in the first innings. Saransh Jain, who received his first call-up, also got an opportunity with the ball.
Devdutt Padikkal makes strong case at No. 3
India’s first innings began with Yashasvi Jaiswal falling for a duck. KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal then steadied the innings through a 96-run partnership, with Rahul contributing 40 from 67 balls.
Jadeja later added a 74-run partnership with Padikkal before retiring hurt after making 63 from 117 deliveries. Padikkal continued to anchor the innings and later shared an 82-run stand with Manav Suthar, who scored 41.
India declared at 357/6, six runs behind Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s first-innings total. Padikkal remained unbeaten on a spectacular 142 from 164 balls, including 18 fours, while batting at No. 3.
Saransh Jain added 22 and Gurnoor Brar produced a quick unbeaten 36 from 18 balls, including four sixes. For Sri Lanka Cricket XI, Asanka Manoj and Ramesh Mendis took two wickets each.
Sri Lanka XI sets India a target of 207
In their second innings, Sri Lanka Cricket XI declared at 200/6. Nishan Fernando again played an important role, scoring 63 from 73 balls, while Nipun Dhananjaya made 46 and Anjala Bandara scored 35.
Jadeja and Gurnoor Brar picked up two wickets apiece. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also took one wicket each, while Nabi bowled five overs and conceded 27 runs.
Gill and Jaiswal provide momentum in chase
India’s chase of 207 got off to a positive start through Yashasvi Jaiswal and Gill. The pair put together a 105-run stand before Jaiswal retired hurt after making 61 from 46 balls, an innings containing nine fours and two sixes.
Gill scored 44 from 54 deliveries, striking seven fours. Rishabh Pant contributed 28 from 68 balls, while Jadeja made 22 from 32 before retiring hurt.
Mohammed Siraj then provided a late burst with an unbeaten 32 from just 15 balls, hitting four fours and four sixes. Saransh Jain remained unbeaten on two as India reached 214/4 in 45 overs to complete the chase.
India now turn attention to Galle Test
The warm-up victory gives India a positive final preparation result before the two-Test series. The opening Test is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle, followed by the second Test in the series.
Gill’s return will be particularly significant for India’s preparations after the captain missed the early stages of the warm-up. Bahutule’s assessment provides the team with confidence that the skipper is ready to take charge when the red-ball series begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shubman Gill miss the first two days of the warm-up match?
Gill missed the opening two days after taking a hit on his finger during training. Sairaj Bahutule described the decision to keep him out as a precaution and said Gill had continued training normally.
How many runs did Shubman Gill score after returning?
Gill scored 44 runs from 54 balls in India’s second-innings chase against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
Who was India’s top scorer in the warm-up match?
Devdutt Padikkal was India’s leading scorer in the first innings, remaining unbeaten on 142 from 164 balls with 18 fours.
When does India’s first Test against Sri Lanka start?
The first Test of India’s two-match Sri Lanka series is scheduled to begin on August 15, 2026, in Galle.
What was India’s final score in the warm-up chase?
India finished on 214/4 in 45 overs while chasing 207, with Mohammed Siraj unbeaten on 32 and Saransh Jain unbeaten on two.
