India captain Shubman Gill has been declared fit and is ready to lead the team in the first Test against Sri Lanka, beginning in Galle on August 15. However, injuries to key players remain a concern for the Indian camp, with Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the two-Test series.
Gill confirms constant monitoring of injured players
Bumrah, who was initially included in the squad, was ruled out due to a knee injury, while Sudharsan was sidelined with a toe niggle after failing to recover as expected. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the opening Test, Gill said the team management remains in constant touch with the injured players and is closely monitoring their fitness.“Yes, we are in touch with them. There is constant monitoring on players and where they are (in terms of fitness),” Gill said.Gill also explained Sudharsan’s situation and admitted that the batter’s absence was unfortunate.“Sai’s case was quite unfortunate. It looked like he would be able to be a part of the series. But we did constant scans and he wasn’t improving as much as we would have liked or expected him to be,” Gill added.The India captain added that the team eventually decided not to risk Sudharsan’s fitness, keeping in mind the demands of Test cricket.“So, sometimes you have to take a call from the player’s point of view as to whether you want to take that risk,” he added.
Five-day Test format behind selection call
Gill highlighted the five-day nature of Test cricket as one of the key reasons behind the decision to leave the injured players out.“The Test match is for 5 days. If it’s one-day or T20, then it’s a different story. But in the Test match, you don’t want to take a risk. I feel that in the Test match, you have more opportunities with other players to come back,” he explained.“For example, if you don’t play well on the first day, you get another chance. So, the players have more chances to come back. So, keeping that in mind, we were a little disappointed with Sai and Bumrah.” Shubman added.
Gill backs India’s bench strength
Despite the absence of two important players, Gill insisted that the setbacks have not affected the team’s morale. He backed the players in the squad to step up when given an opportunity.“But it didn’t affect the morale of the team that much that they didn’t get the first 11. I feel that whoever is in our 15 or whoever we give a chance in our playing 11 in any condition, they can play well and win the game,” Gill said.
India vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule
The first Test of India’s two-match tour of Sri Lanka will begin on August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The second Test is scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
