India train in hot Colombo nets at SSC ahead of second Test

India practised at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Friday, August 21, 2026, as they prepared for the second Test against Sri Lanka that begins on Sunday, August 23. The session took place in visibly oppressive conditions despite a reported maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius.

The SSC ground, flanked by expansive trees and nearby skyscrapers, felt like a sauna during the workout, organisers said. Several players completed batting and bowling drills while coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar observed from the boundary. K.L. Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav did not take part in the pre-game drills; spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said the pair were resting. The report was published on August 21, 2026 at 03:32 pm IST.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill made up the first group to face the bowlers in the nets. Gill opened his shoulders and played a series of big strokes during his spell. As he cleared the ropes, warnings of "watch out" rang out across the practice area.

Later in the session the skipper spoke with Gambhir while Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan and other batsmen took their turns at the nets. Off-spinner Saransh Jain also turned his arm over during practice. It remains to be seen if Jain will come into contention against a Sri Lankan batting lineup described as heavy on left-handers.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel was active in the nets as well, running in to bowl to the Indian batsmen. He had previously mentioned coping with the heat in Galle and is facing similar conditions in the Sri Lankan capital. A photograph from the session shows Yashasvi Jaiswal (right) with Devdutt Padikkal (left) during the training; Photo Credit: PTI.

The net sessions formed part of India’s final preparations for the second Test, which commences on Sunday (August 23).