Jadeja mimics Kuldeep during India warm-up as Gambhir erupts in laughter

Ravindra Jadeja mimicked Kuldeep Yadav's bowling action during India's warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI on Day 2, an episode that left head coach Gautam Gambhir in splits and was caught on video. The moment provided a light-hearted interlude amid India's preparatory fixtures in Sri Lanka ahead of the forthcoming Test series.

The match served as an important practice game designed to give India exposure to local conditions ahead of the Tests, and the camp combined on-field work with moments of levity. The report noted that Jadeja and Kuldeep are both expected to have significant roles with the ball, particularly on pitches where spin could become increasingly influential as matches progress. Sony Sports Network captured the atmosphere on social media, tweeting: "#1 All-rounder for a reason.Ravindra Jadeja can bat, bowl, field, and apparently, crack Gautam Gambhir too. Watch Day 3 of SLC XI vs #TeamIndia tomorrow, 10 AM onwards, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/TWbJzVPEed"

On the bowling front, Jadeja finished with figures of 2/64 from 15 overs, dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Ramesh Mendis. Kuldeep recorded 2/76 from 18 overs, removing Ahan Wickramasinghe and Anjala Bandara during an extended spell. Manav Suthar chipped in with 2/33 from 13 overs as India incrementally reduced the SLC XI batting lineup.

Sri Lanka Cricket XI declared on 363/8, setting India a substantial total to chase in the practice fixture. With the bat, Jadeja compiled a patient 63 off 117 balls, striking seven fours and steadying the middle phase after India lost wickets.

Jadeja retired out on 63 to allow other players time in the middle, and he found notable support from Manav Suthar, who remained unbeaten on 29. The left-hander showed patience before attacking the spinners, hitting three fours and a six, and his partnership with Jadeja helped India recover from 180/5 at tea.

India closed Day 2 on 357/6, trailing Sri Lanka Cricket XI by six runs, with Devdutt Padikkal's century providing the platform for the recovery. Kuldeep remained one of India’s principal spin options following his lengthy bowling spell during the warm-up.

The teams will move on to the official series, with the opening Test scheduled to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium; the warm-up clash offered India match practice while Jadeja's Kuldeep impression provided a rare moment of humour in the camp.