Shubman Gill sits out India warm-up against SLC XI in Colombo after finger impact injury

Indian captain Shubman Gill did not take the field in India’s three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo on Thursday after sustaining an impact injury to his right ring finger during practice, the BCCI said. In his absence KL Rahul led the side.

India are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series in August. This tour is the first time since 2017 that India will travel to Sri Lanka for a Test series, and India have not lost a Test series against Sri Lanka since 2008. The first Test is due to be played at Galle International Stadium starting on August 15 (Saturday) and the second at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo beginning on August 23 (Sunday). A three-day warm-up match in Colombo preceded the series.

Gill was hit on his finger during a training session on Thursday and did not take part in the Day 1 play as a precaution, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said. The BCCI statement read: “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 captain was not seen on the field on Day 2 and is likely to miss the entire warm-up match. His absence raised concern among Indian fans about his fitness. KL Rahul continued to lead the side while Gill remained unavailable.

India lost the toss in the warm-up and were put into the field by the Sri Lanka Cricket XI. SLC XI posted 363/8 and declared their innings. India had reached 150 for two in their reply when the report was published. The account noted that Gill’s presence would be important given he has been in red-hot form with the bat and would have a key role going forward in the Test series.

The first Sri Lanka versus India Test will start on August 15 at Galle International Stadium, with the second Test scheduled to begin on August 23 at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.