India captain Shubman Gill returned to batting practice in the nets on Sunday, a positive sign ahead of the opening Test against Sri Lanka.
Gill was seen batting with his right ring finger heavily taped, having sustained an impact injury to the finger during practice earlier in the week.
He also took part in warm-up drills, though he was initially seen using only his left hand as the team’s medical staff continued to monitor his recovery.
The Indian team management has not yet officially confirmed Gill’s availability for the first Test, though his return to batting practice is being viewed as an encouraging development.
Gill missed Day 1 of India’s three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI as a precaution, with vice-captain KL Rahul leading the side in his absence.
The opening Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka begins on August 15 at Galle International Stadium, leaving just under a week for Gill’s recovery to be assessed.
Gill sustained the impact injury to his right ring finger during India’s practice session on Thursday, prompting the BCCI to rule him out of Day 1 of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI as a precaution.
The BCCI said in a statement that its medical team was monitoring Gill’s progress, without immediately confirming a timeline for his return to full training or match action.
India completed their three-day warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka XI with a six-wicket win on August 9, with vice-captain KL Rahul leading the side throughout Gill’s absence.
The opening Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on August 15 at Galle International Stadium, giving Gill just under a week for his finger to recover further.
Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer in the warm-up match, finishing unbeaten on 142 in India’s successful run chase after also scoring a century in the first innings.
Photo by CRICKETNEXT, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
