India have received a big boost ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with skipper Shubman Gill showing no signs of discomfort after returning from a finger injury during the final day of the team's warm-up game against Sri Lanka XI.
Gill remained out of action for the first two days of the practice match after copping a blow to his finger during a training session. However, his return to the middle on the final day provided the clear picture that Gill is on track for the opening Test. India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule also confirmed that Gill is ready for the first Test.
“I think 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 on the first day. And I think everything, the way he batted in the second inning, was again, flawless. And he is very much ready for the Test match,” Bahutule told reporters after the practice game.
Coming to bat on day three, Gill struck 44 from 54 deliveries, helping India take control of a relatively modest chase. Bahutule, meanwhile, lauded Gill’s dedication towards his preparation.
“Shubman takes his preparation very seriously. And he is a very meticulous boy. And he understands that, whatever the demand is for that particular series with the attack which has been successful for the Sri Lankan team. His preparation is done accordingly. So, the net bowlers who have come with us have a good opportunity to bowl Shubman,” Bahutule said.