India captain Shubman Gill missed the opening day of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI after picking up an impact injury to his right ring finger during Thursday’s practice session. The team management decided to keep him out as a precautionary step with the first Test against Sri Lanka scheduled to begin on August 15.
With Gill unavailable, KL Rahul stepped in as captain and led the team during the toss. Sri Lanka XI won the toss and chose to bat first in the three-day practice fixture.
Why Did Shubman Gill Miss Day 1 of India vs Sri Lanka XI Warm-Up Match?
India Test captain Shubman Gill missed the opening day of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the NCC Ground in Colombo on Friday after being ruled out due to a finger injury. Vice-captain KL Rahul took charge of the side and attended the toss, where Sri Lanka XI elected to bat first.
The BCCI confirmed that Gill suffered an impact injury to his right ring finger during India’s training session on Thursday. The team management decided not to risk the batter ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka and kept him out as a precautionary measure. “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 statement read.
Reports suggest Gill was first hit on his finger while facing pacer Gurnoor Brar in the nets, forcing him to call for medical attention before getting his finger strapped by the team physio. He later returned to training and continued facing spinners, but suffered another blow while attempting a sharp catch during slip-fielding practice, which eventually led to the decision to rest him.
India Face Early Injury Worry Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series Opener
India are already facing several injury concerns ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series. Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of both matches as he continues his recovery from a knee issue, with Auqib Nabi recently called up as his replacement. Washington Sundar is also unavailable due to injury, while Sai Sudharsan remains at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru recovering from a toe problem and is yet to join the squad in Colombo.
The series holds major significance for India’s World Test Championship hopes, as another setback could seriously damage their chances of reaching the final. India need to win at least seven of their remaining nine matches to stay in contention for the summit clash at The Oval next year.
