SLC XI frustrate India seamers on opening day of tour game

India's Test captain Shubman Gill was absent from the warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo due to an impact injury to his right ring finger sustained during training on Thursday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision to rest Gill as a precautionary measure, with the medical team closely monitoring his condition before the two-Test series. In his absence, KL Rahul took charge of the team, leading India in the warm-up game.

Sri Lanka XI batted first in the match, winning the toss at the Colombo venue. The toss-winning side opted to bat, providing India's bowlers with an opportunity to adapt to the local conditions ahead of the upcoming Test series. The warm-up fixture, India's sole red-ball encounter before the first Test, held significant importance for the squad, as head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the need to maximize preparation and deliver their best performance during the forthcoming series.

Gambhir urged his team to make the most of the opportunity, pushing their limits and addressing all potential questions that could be posed. The players were encouraged to tick all the boxes in their training sessions, ensuring they would be well-prepared to face any challenges thrown their way on the 15th of the month.