Galle, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian men’s cricket team marked India’s 80th Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolour at its team hotel in Galle on Saturday, ahead of the opening Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
The flag-hoisting ceremony was led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill and attended by the entire playing squad and support staff. The ceremony concluded with the national anthem.
The occasion held special significance for India as the Test marks the country’s 600th appearance in the format. India has become the first Asian team and only the third side overall, after England and Australia, to reach the milestone.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared a video of the ceremony on social media.
Gill, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, said it was a major honour to lead India in such a landmark Test on Independence Day.
“Very big honour for me, every time you get an opportunity to lead your country, and even more so special on this occasion. Independence Day for us and 600th Test match, so looking forward,” Gill said.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav also described the occasion as a significant moment, saying it was a “massive honour” to be part of India’s 600th Test on Independence Day.
India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, having recorded four wins from nine matches.
The Indian team will be looking to secure crucial points from the Sri Lanka series and strengthen its position in the race for the WTC final, scheduled to be played at The Oval in June 2027.
FOLLOW NOW
