India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule says Shubman Gill is fully fit and ready for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on August 15 after recovering from a finger injury. Gill’s fluent warm-up knock and meticulous preparation boost India’s confidence ahead of the crucial WTC series.
India have received a major boost ahead of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, with spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirming that captain Shubman Gill is fully fit and ready to lead the side in the first Test at Galle, beginning August 15.
Gill had missed the opening two days of India’s warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka Cricket XI after suffering an impact injury to his right ring finger during a practice session on Thursday. However, the batter returned to action in the second innings and looked comfortable at the crease, scoring a fluent 44.
According to Bahutule, Gill’s decision to stay out of the initial stages of the practice match was purely precautionary and there was no serious concern surrounding his fitness.
“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 first day,” Bahutule said during the post-match press conference.
The India coach was particularly encouraged by Gill’s batting return, describing his performance as flawless and confirming that the skipper is prepared for the Test opener in Galle.
Gill’s preparation for the Sri Lanka series has also impressed the Indian coaching staff. Bahutule highlighted the captain’s meticulous approach to preparing for specific opposition bowling attacks. The right-handed batter has been working closely with net bowlers brought into the squad to replicate different match situations and bowling scenarios.
“Shubman takes his preparation very seriously and he is a very meticulous boy,” Bahutule said, explaining that Gill understands the demands of each series and prepares accordingly.
The Indian team has also been focusing on improving contributions from the lower order. Bahutule pointed to the batting efforts of pacers Gurnoor Brar and Mohammed Siraj during the warm-up fixture, saying that the team wants its lower-order players to contribute valuable runs in Test matches.
According to him, the bowlers are being encouraged to spend more time batting in the nets so they can add depth to India’s batting and help the team build competitive totals.
Another player who strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI was Devdutt Padikkal. The left-handed batter produced an impressive unbeaten 142 in the first innings of the warm-up match. His performance could become particularly significant after B Sai Sudharsan was ruled out with a stress reaction in his right big toe.
Bahutule said Padikkal had made the most of his opportunity and gained valuable confidence ahead of the Test series. However, he stressed that the final decision on the playing XI would only be taken after assessing conditions and the pitch in Galle.
India’s Sri Lanka assignment also carries considerable significance in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. India currently occupy fifth place in the WTC standings and will be looking to collect crucial points from the series.
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Bahutule acknowledged the importance of every Test in the current WTC cycle but said India would remain focused on taking the series one match at a time. The team’s broader objective is to win in Sri Lanka, improve its position in the standings and remain in contention for a place in the WTC final.
With Gill now declared fit, Padikkal carrying strong form and India working on contributions throughout the batting order, the visitors will enter the Galle Test with renewed confidence and a clear focus on securing a positive start to the series.
