New Delhi: India Test captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the opening day of the team’s three day warm up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo after suffering an injury to his right ring finger during practice.
Gill sustained the blow during Thursday’s training session, with the injury occurring twice during the nets. The Indian team management has decided to keep him out of Friday’s game as a precaution, with vice captain KL Rahul taking charge of the side for the opening day.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India medical team is monitoring Gill’s condition. With the first Test against Sri Lanka scheduled to begin in Galle in just over a week, the team management is expected to take a cautious approach and avoid exposing the captain to unnecessary risk.
Gill’s injury adds to a growing list of fitness concerns within the Indian squad. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was initially included in the Test squad but was subsequently withdrawn after sustaining an injury during the recent ODI series in England. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has been brought in as his replacement.
All rounder Washington Sundar and fast bowler Harshit Rana have also missed selection because of fitness concerns.
The increasing number of injuries has reportedly raised concerns within the BCCI, with the board examining fitness standards and monitoring procedures for players. The board is also considering standardising baseline fitness requirements after concerns emerged over variations in the targets given to senior players.
Gill’s availability will therefore be closely watched in the coming days, particularly with India preparing for an important two Test series in Sri Lanka.
The series carries significance for India’s World Test Championship campaign. India currently sit fifth in the points table and missed qualification for the previous final after finishing runners up in the first two editions.
For now, the focus remains on Gill’s recovery, with the team management unwilling to take chances so close to the start of the Test series.
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