PTC Web Desk: India captain Shubman Gill is unlikely to take part in the ongoing three-day warm-up game against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo after suffering a finger injury during training, according to a report by The Times of India.

Gill did not take the field on the opening day of the practice match. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) described his absence as a precautionary measure, but reports suggest the Indian team management is not planning to risk him in the warm-up fixture.

With the first Test against Sri Lanka scheduled to begin on August 15, the priority is reportedly to ensure Gill is fully fit for the series opener.

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Shubman Gill injured his finger while training before the warm-up match in Colombo. Although the finger is said to be in good condition, the Indian management is understood to be taking a cautious approach.

As a result, Gill is unlikely to bat in the practice game. The decision is aimed at giving the India captain enough time to recover ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Gill's availability will be particularly important as India prepare for the Test series opener at Galle from August 15.

India prepare for two-test series against Sri Lanka

India are set to begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15. The warm-up match is being used by the team to prepare for the conditions expected in the Island nation.

The management will be keen to avoid any unnecessary injury concerns before the Test series gets underway. Gill sitting out the practice game is therefore being viewed as a precaution rather than a major injury setback.

Ajinkya Rahane warns India about Sri Lanka's spinners

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has also offered advice to the Indian batting unit ahead of the Test series.

Rahane believes India's batters will need to be proactive against Sri Lanka's spinners rather than becoming overly defensive, particularly on spin-friendly pitches. “In Sri Lanka, the first day wicket generally is very good. But being top of the bowler as a batsman is very important. That's what I have learned in Sri Lanka. You cannot be too defensive,” Rahane was quoted as saying by a news agency. 

Rahane knows the conditions well. During India's 2017 tour of Sri Lanka, he played an important role in the team's 3-0 Test series victory, scoring more than 200 runs, including a century and a half-century.

Rahane wants Indian batters to be proactive

According to Rahane, Sri Lanka's bowling attack could pose a serious challenge because of the quality of spinners in the team.

He stressed that Indian batters must stick to their individual plans while maintaining an aggressive and positive approach.

“You have to probably be more proactive because they will have spin friendly wickets, and Sri Lanka do have decent spinners in their side,” Rahane said.

He also warned India against underestimating the home team, pointing out that playing in familiar conditions gives Sri Lanka an advantage.

The former India batter added that having a clear individual game plan and staying proactive would be crucial throughout the Test series.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series

The India vs Sri Lanka Test series will begin at Galle on August 15. India will hope that Gill's finger issue remains minor and that the captain is available for the opening Test.

For now, the Indian team management appears focused on avoiding unnecessary risks with Gill. His absence from the warm-up game could allow him additional recovery time before the important Test series begins.