India captain Shubman Gill is sitting out the first day of the warm-up match after picking up an impact injury to his right ring finger in Thursday’s training session in Colombo. The medical team decided to keep him off the field as a precaution for the three-day game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. KL Rahul is leading the side in his place while the management monitors the injury.
The BCCI put out a tweet earlier today confirming the details. “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 SLC XI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress."
Shubman Gill has been the most important player in this Indian side with both bat and leadership since taking over the Test captaincy in England. He has missed a few games due to injury previously, and the management clearly doesn’t want to take any chances this close to the series. He is expected to be available in the coming days.
Sri Lanka XI vs India Warm Up Game Day 1 Update
India began the warm-up without their captain on Friday morning at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground. KL Rahul walked out for the toss, and Sri Lanka XI chose to bat first. The hosts made a solid start, reaching 138 for 1 by lunch and the only wicket picked by India was from a run-out. Both openers made a half century with Nishan Madhushka scoring 66 and Ravindu Rasantha scoring 71. Indian pacers Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna could not pick any wicket and were expensive early on.
India made a strong comeback in picking up four wickets as Sri Lanka XI were reduced to 276/5 as the third session was underway. Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar and Kuldeep Yadav picked up one wicket each. The practice game remains India's final chance to fine-tune combinations and adapt to Sri Lankan conditions before the Test begins next week. The focus stays on giving Gill’s finger the time it needs. The BCCI medical staff will reassess in the coming days, and a clearer picture of his fitness is expected as the warm-up progresses.
