India captain Shubman Gill has won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday. It marks the 600th Test match in Indian cricket history and the 50th Test at Galle.
Gill has opted for a three-spinner attack on a dry Galle surface, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar included in the playing XI alongside pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Toss Update
Speaking after winning the toss, Gill said the pitch looked good for batting and felt the weather was also favourable for a full day of cricket.
“We’re gonna bat first, looks like a good wicket and the weather also looks good, so hopefully it’s gonna be a good day of cricket for us.”
Gill confirmed that India have gone with the same XI as their previous match, featuring five specialist bowling options — two pacers and three spinners.
The India captain also spoke about the significance of leading the team on Independence Day, while playing the country’s 600th Test.
“Very big honor 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.”
 India vs Sri Lanka Playing XI:
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (w), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said he had also hoped to bat first after seeing a dry pitch. Sri Lanka have brought Nishan Madushka in for Pathum Nissanka, while wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella makes his comeback. Keshara Nuwantha will make his Test debut.
“It’s quite dry as well. Nishan Madushka comes in for Pathum Nissanka and Niroshan Dickwella will be keeping, and Keshara will be debuting today.”
The hosts have opted for two fast bowlers, two spinners and two all-rounders, including Dhananjaya and Sonal Dinusha.
