India confirm Shubman Gill fit for Sri Lanka Tests after hand blow

India announced on August 9, 2026, that captain Shubman Gill is fit and available for the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka after a brief injury scare when he was struck on his right hand during a training session and missed the opening day of a three-day warm-up match.

Gill’s absence on the first day saw KL Rahul lead the India side in the warm-up; Gill returned on the third day to open India’s chase of 207 and had been seen batting in the nets earlier that day, signalling his availability to the team management.

India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule provided a fitness update, saying: "It was just a precaution more than anything else. And he has been absolutely fine. He has been doing his training. And the management decided that we could just take that precaution of not putting him into that first day," and made clear there was no significant concern about the issue.

Back in the middle during the practice match, Gill scored 44 off 54 balls, hitting seven fours before being dismissed by right-arm spinner Keshara Nuwantha, and he also participated in catching drills as part of his return to full activity.

Bahutule also commented on Gill’s preparation for the series, saying: "Shubman takes his preparation very seriously. And he is a very meticulous boy. And he understands that whatever is the demand for that particular series with the attack, which has been successful for the Sri Lankan team. His preparation is done accordingly," highlighting the captain’s approach to facing Sri Lanka’s spin options.

Gill’s return to the warm-up match was described as a positive for India ahead of the Tests; the first of the two-Test series is scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15, with the second Test in Colombo from August 23.

India now have their captain available for the opening Test in Galle on August 15, 2026.