WATCH: Gautam Gambhir Sends Strong Message As Team India Start Preparing For Sri Lanka Test Series

Shubman Gill-led India has officially started preparing in Sri Lanka ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series. Before the three-day practice match in Colombo, head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke to the players and stressed the importance of being fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

The squad includes two fresh faces, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, along with newly appointed fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh. Gambhir praised Jain and Nabi for earning their place in the Test squad through consistent performances in domestic cricket. He urged the entire team to make the most of the practice sessions and ensure they are ready for the opening Test in Galle on August 15.

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“We know what’s in front of us, we know what we are playing for. We can do the volume, we can push our limits, we can tick all the boxes.” Gambhir said in a video posted by the BCCI on August 6.

“Come 15th morning (August 15), whether we are batting first, whether we are bowling first, we're absolutely ready with every answer, every question that’s thrown at us, and every answer we are ready to give. So make sure we tick all the boxes from now on.”

India looking to improve WTC standing

India will return to action in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 next week. The Shubman Gill-led side will be aiming for a strong comeback after suffering a home series whitewash against South Africa last year.

At present, India are fifth in the WTC standings with four wins, four defeats and one draw from nine matches. A successful series in Sri Lanka would improve their position and keep them on track for a place in the WTC final for the third straight cycle.

Practice match to test new players

India are travelling without a full-strength squad. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Washington Sundar have both been ruled out because of injuries. Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan's availability remains uncertain as he has not yet joined the squad.

The three-day practice game against Sri Lanka XI will give Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi a chance to impress. Both players recently featured in the unofficial Test series between India A and Sri Lanka A.

Another player to watch will be Devdutt Padikkal. If Sai Sudharsan is unable to recover in time, Padikkal could be in line for a place in India's playing XI for the first Test.