Gill Faces Tough Pace Choices for First Test in Sri Lanka

Shubman Gill has been cleared to captain India in the first Test against Sri Lanka after recovering from a finger injury that limited him in the warm-up match. India start the two-Test series fifth in the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings and want a strong showing to improve their position.

Injuries reshape the squad

The squad has already been hit. Jasprit Bumrah is out with a left knee problem and Washington Sundar will miss the first Test. Auqib Nabi and Saransh Jain have come in as replacements, and Sarfaraz Khan is also due to join the group in Colombo.

Choosing the seamers

Without Bumrah, Gill said the pace combination will be a hard decision. He rates Gurnoor Brar for his ability to get bounce with the old ball at good pace, but Prasidh Krishna has also bowled well recently, including in the warm-up game. Gill called it a tough call and an opportunity for someone to step up.

With Sai Sudharsan unavailable, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to bat at No. 3, while Dhruv Jurel could keep his spot in the middle order.

Captaincy and the WTC

Gill said he now feels comfortable as captain and stressed that young players need time to develop. India’s main aim is to stay in the race for a place in the WTC final, and he thinks they may need to win six or seven of their remaining Tests to manage it. The team, he said, wants to make a start in Sri Lanka.