Colombo, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India captain Shubman Gill returned to batting practice on Sunday, easing concerns over his availability for the opening Test against Sri Lanka after a finger injury forced him to miss the ongoing three-day warm-up match.
Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during a practice session on Thursday. The injury ruled him out of the warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the NCC Ground, where senior wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been leading India in his absence.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had initially kept Gill out of the opening day as a precaution. He did not bat on the second day either, with Ravindra Jadeja instead coming in at No. 4.
However, the India captain, 26, was back in action on the final day of the practice match, taking part in an extended batting session in the side nets. Gill was seen facing both pace and spin and appeared to be batting without visible discomfort.
His return comes just six days before the first Test, scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15. Gill’s participation in the nets will provide relief to the Indian camp as the team prepares to begin its two-Test away series against Sri Lanka.
India will travel to Galle after the warm-up match 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 are currently fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, while Sri Lanka are sixth. India last played Test cricket in June in a one-off match against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh and will be looking for a strong series result in Sri Lanka to strengthen their prospects of reaching the WTC final.
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