Major update on Shubman Gill’s availability for first SL vs IND Test
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Shubman Gill missed first innings of India’s warmup game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI due to injury.
The Indian Cricket Team is all set for their important Test tour of Sri Lanka, and the focus is on getting the right combination before the first Test in Galle. The two-match series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, and both games will be very crucial for India’s path to the WTC final.
The team management has already been forced to deal with a few fitness concerns before the series. Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to a knee injury, while several young domestic players were added as net bowlers to help the batters prepare for Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions.
The visitors started their preparations with a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo. The Indian team played quite impressive cricket during the practice game. Devdutt Padikkal grabbed attention with an unbeaten century while Ravindra Jadeja played a decent knock in the middle, and the bowlers also gave good performances in Sri Lankan conditions.
Despite all these positives, the major question was around the fitness of captain Shubman Gill, who missed Day 1 of the practice game after suffering a finger injury during the practice session.
Shubman Gill injured his right finger during India’s practice session on August 06, 2026, just one day before the warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo.
The BCCI later confirmed that the decision to keep him out of the opening day was purely precautionary.
“Captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India’s practice on Thursday. As a precautionary measure, he will not take the field on Day 1 of the warm-up game against Sri Lanka XI. The BCCI medical team is monitoring his progress. KL Rahul will lead the team in Gill’s absence.”
Shubman Gill returns to batting after injury scare
After resting for two days following the injury, Shubman Gill was seen batting in the nets on Sunday with his right ring finger heavily taped. The India captain looked comfortable enough to continue batting. Earlier in the day, Gill also took part in a warm-up drill, although he was initially seen using only his left hand as the medical team continues to monitor his recovery.
Although the Indian team management has not officially confirmed Gill’s availability for the first test, his return to batting practice is a strong positive sign.
The opening test will start on August 15 in Galle; therefore, with almost a week remaining, the medical staff will continue assessing his finger. If his recovery continues without any setbacks, Gill is expected to be available to lead India in the series opener.
Who captained India in Gill’s absence?
The vice-captain KL Rahul led the Indian team during the warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI.
Is Shubman Gill expected to play the first test against Sri Lanka?
There is no official confirmation on Gill’s availability for the first Test; his return to batting practice is a strong positive sign.
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Amit Patel is a passionate sports enthusiast and a devoted Virat Kohli admirer who proudly supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Having been involved in sports from a young age, he has played chess at the district level and represented his college in various competitions. Amit closely follows Indian cricket, with a special interest in tracking young talents and rising stars making their mark at the highest level. Alongside his love for the game, he is an experienced sports content writer who enjoys crafting stories that connect with fans.