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Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta anticipates pressure on coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill. India has lost recent Test series, and this Sri Lanka tour is crucial. The team needs to show clear direction during this transition period. Winning seven out of nine remaining Tests is vital for WTC final hopes. Dasgupta stressed that no Test series can be taken lightly by India.
India's warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI has been shortened. The practice game will now be played from August 7 to August 9. This fixture will take place at the NCC Ground in Colombo. The two-Test series against Sri Lanka begins on August 15. This series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Coach Gautam Gambhir urged the Indian Test squad for complete preparation against Sri Lanka. The team began training and will play a warm-up match before the first Test. Several frontline batters are working on their game against spin bowling. Newcomers Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi were welcomed to the squad.
India begin their three-day warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka XI at the NCC in Colombo today. The Shubman Gill-led unit has already had two intense training sessions and a largely rested squad means the team feels fresh for the crucial series starting August 15. There are some injury concerns: Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, and Sai Sudharsan. However, the squad has enough quality to secure a scoreline that keeps their World Test Championship final chances alive.
India's preparations for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka could be affected by rain, with wet weather forecast in Colombo during the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI. Heavy showers are expected from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon, raising doubts over how much playing time both teams will get before the first Test in Galle.
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Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, will miss the warm-up match following a finger injury he picked up during training just a day prior. To prioritise his readiness for the Test, the management has decided that he should take a break. While observing the match from the dugout, Gill also joined in a practice session in the nets.
Sarfaraz Khan's Test career faces uncertainty despite his strong first-class performance. He recently shared a cryptic message reflecting his current situation and determination. The batter was again overlooked for the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series. His fitness has transformed, and he returned to the IPL with good form. Selectors appear to have other middle-order options ahead of him.
Sudharsan has been ruled out of the series after failing to recover from a big toe injury he suffered during the India A tour of Sri Lanka last month. He scored two centuries in the two 'A' Tests before being hit on the toe during the second match against Sri Lanka A. He has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
With Sai Sudharsan all but ruled out of the Sri Lanka series, Devdutt Padikkal seized his chance, scoring a fluent 142 at Colombo’s Nondescript Cricket Club during the warm-up fixture. Displaying assured footwork, confidence against both spin and pace, and solid technique, Padikkal’s performance underscores his readiness for India’s No. 3 spot.
Jadeja, meanwhile, warmed up with a half-century while the likes of Rahul and Suthar also made the most of their opportunities
Ravindra Jadeja entertained teammates by mimicking Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling action, leaving Gautam Gambhir laughing during India’s Colombo warm-up match. Devdutt Padikkal impressed with an unbeaten 142, boosting his chances for the opening Test. Jadeja scored 63 and Manav Suthar added 41 as India reached 357/6. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel disappointed, managing just two and one respectively.
Shubman Gill's return to the middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal's fluent knock and Gurnoor Brar's impressive outing gave India plenty of positives in their Colombo warm-up, while a surprise visit from Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten added an interesting subplot ahead of the Galle Test. India won the warm-up match by six-wickets.
India's Test squad sees a new addition as Sarfaraz Khan steps in for the injured Sai Sudharsan ahead of the Sri Lanka series. Sudharsan is sidelined due to a toe injury. The selectors felt Sarfaraz's middle-order experience would be invaluable. After a warm-up triumph, the team gears up for the first Test match starting on August 15.
Mohammed Siraj stunned Sri Lanka Cricket XI with an explosive 32 off 15 balls, smashing three consecutive sixes in the final over to seal India’s six-wicket win with three balls remaining. His unbeaten cameo included four sixes and a boundary. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant also contributed, giving India valuable preparation ahead of the first Test in Galle.
India's spin bowling coach addressed worries about Kuldeep Yadav's fitness after the warm-up match, highlighting that Kuldeep bowled almost twenty overs before taking a precautionary break to evaluate his condition. Fellow spinners Jadeja and Suthar garnered extensive pitch experience with longer spells. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, returning from a hand injury, participated fully in drills. The team's focus remained on adapting to local conditions in readiness for the upcoming Test series.
India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, deemed the warm-up match a resounding success for the team. Notable was Devdutt Padikkal's glittering unbeaten score of 142, showcasing his talent. The fast bowlers also demonstrated great resilience on a challenging pitch, while Gurnoor and Siraj added unexpected prowess, reinforcing the team's momentum ahead of the Test series.
Rishabh Pant displayed unique football skills during India's warm-up match against Sri Lanka. He used his feet to kick wide deliveries away instead of his bat. Pant took twenty-one balls to score his first run in the second innings. After a slow start, he changed gears and hit three sixes. India won the warm-up game by six wickets before the Test series.
In Colombo, Sarfaraz Khan stepped in as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. As the Indian team geared up for the series opener on August 15, the squad undertook a rigorous net practice, strategically adapting to the dry, cracked pitch conditions similar to those typically seen on Day 4. Captain Shubman Gill emphasised teamwork, collaborating intensely with throwdown specialists and coaches to fine-tune his batting ahead of the match.
On Friday, Sarfaraz Khan posted a photo on Instagram from the 2019 Telugu film ‘Jersey’ with a caption that read: “I may not fit in, but I’ll fight with everything I’ve got.” Just 48 hours later, the 28-yearold was rewarded for his seemingly endless ‘fight’ when he replaced the injured Sai Sudharsan in the Indian squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka. After finally receiving the news he had been waiting for, Sarfaraz shared his first post on social media, posting a couple of pictures in the Team India travelling jersey.
Irfan Pathan reminisced about a heated exchange with Kumar Sangakkara during a 2005 Test match over a changed cricket ball. What started as personal sledging led to Pathan responding fiercely while scoring 93 runs. Although the tension could have soured their relationship, a later encounter in the IPL with Kings XI Punjab allowed Pathan to extend an apology, paving the way for their newfound friendship.
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof anticipates India fielding three spinners in the upcoming Test. He believes young Manav Suthar might get the nod over Saransh Jain for bounce. Maharoof also highlighted Rishabh Pant as a significant threat to the Sri Lankan team. Pant's ability to change games quickly worries the former player immensely. Sri Lanka expects to counter Pant with significant spin bowling options.
As Team India prepares for the pivotal Test match against Sri Lanka, crucial decisions loom regarding player selections. The middle order's batting performance and the bowling lineup pose significant challenges. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel are in contention for the number six spot, while a dynamic bowling mixture of three fast bowlers and two spinners is anticipated. Choosing the right eleven is essential for maintaining strong World Test Championship aspirations.
India's growing injury list has placed the Centre of Excellence under scrutiny. Several key players are currently dealing with various fitness issues and injuries. Jasprit Bumrah's knee swelling has led to his absence from the Sri Lanka Test series. Former batter Subramaniam Badrinath clarified the COE's role in providing player information. He stressed workload management and consistent monitoring are crucial for player fitness.
Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva expects a spin-focused Test series against India. He believes the Galle pitch will gradually favor spinners after initial batting conditions. De Silva highlighted the importance of player temperament for scoring runs on aging wickets. He noted Prabath Jayasuriya's strong record at Galle as a key advantage. India's absence of Jasprit Bumrah is considered a significant loss for them.
Advocating for a team-centric outlook, Sunil Gavaskar insists that Indian cricket must move beyond idolizing individual players. He argues that a cohesive strategy is key for India’s ambitions to qualify for the World Test Championship final, especially as they prepare to face Sri Lanka. Gavaskar also applauded the Indian Premier League for its effective management, which has significantly increased global investments in the sport.
Murali Kartik believes Manav Suthar possesses the skills to succeed Ravindra Jadeja. Suthar has shown promise with both bat and ball in recent matches. Jadeja is nearing the end of his distinguished Test cricket career. India is looking for future spin bowling options as Jadeja's time winds down. Suthar's emergence offers a promising prospect for the team's long-term strategy.
Morne Morkel has high expectations from the fast bowlers - Mohammed Siraj is the most experienced, with Prasidh Krishna and the uncapped Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi around
Kuldeep brings left-arm wrist spin and an attacking option, Jadeja relies on accuracy, while Suthar bowls a more traditional left-arm spin.
That opportunity came when Nabi was added to India's squad as a replacement for injured fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning in Sri Lanka on Saturday.
India's spinners face a challenge adapting to Galle's tricky crosswinds. The venue's location beside the ocean influences the ball's drift significantly. Former players believe spinners must adjust quickly to utilise the wind effectively. Young spinner Manav Suthar's rhythmic action could prove instrumental for India. Ultimately, harnessing the wind will be crucial for success at Galle.
Sarfaraz Khan's return to the Indian Test squad creates a selection dilemma. He competes with Dhruv Jurel for a spot in the upcoming Sri Lanka series. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Jurel might get the nod for the first Test. Ashwin suggests team management should offer Sarfaraz clarity on his role. Spin conditions in Galle could favor Sarfaraz's batting technique against bowlers.
Shubman Gill's World Test Championship (WTC) mission begins in Galle, where India need a strong run of results to keep their hopes of reaching next year's final alive. With the captain stressing the importance of preparation, India head into the series opener against Sri Lanka with a rejigged squad, a potential three-spin attack and their eyes firmly on The Oval, where the final of the WTC will be played
India had reduced Sri Lanka to 99/5 by lunch, with Manav Suthar leading the attack. However, Ravindra Jadeja was yet to take a wicket at that stage. Sarfaraz Khan was heard telling Jadeja to remain patient, as the Indian bowlers would share the wickets among themselves.
Kuldeep bowled only 25 overs across India’s two innings in the Test and took one wicket, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled around 44 overs each and shared 14 wickets. India won the Test by 165 runs.
Having put in the performance they did in Galle, anything less than a win now will be unsatisfactory for India irrespective of the toss
India go into the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo with a 1-0 lead after their 165-run win in Galle. But the series has also kept the focus on a team that is trying to build a new Test side after the departure of some of its biggest names.
Shubman Gill marked a remarkable achievement by crossing the 3,000 Test run milestone, becoming the fourth-youngest Indian cricketer to do so. This significant moment took place on the inaugural day of the second Test, as he eclipsed the record previously held by former skipper Kapil Dev. The milestone was particularly notable, considering it followed a gradual and measured start to his innings.
The India wicketkeeper had retired hurt after copping a blow on the wrist of his left hand while attemping a pull off Kumara
Yashasvi Jaiswal charged toward the bowler, making visible contact with Fernando's head. The Sri Lankan players stepped in, separated the two and prevented the situation from escalating. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak felt Jaiswal shouldn't have gone so close and termed the incident as something that happened in the "heat of the moment".
Athapaththu picked up a hat-trick as the defending Asia Cup champions cruised to victory despite posting only 124 for 7