India Test captain Shubman Gill won't take the field on Day 1 of the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI after he suffered an impact injury during training on the eve of the game. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday issued an official update, saying the batter sustained an injury to his right finger during a practice session and therefore won't take the field as a precautionary measure.
Gill is currently under the observation of the BCCI Medical Team, and KL Rahul will lead the side in his absence in the practice game. There is still more than a week left before the opening Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, and the management will be hoping that the skipper recovers in time.
According to reports, Gill was hit on his right finger while facing pacer Gurnoor Brar. The 26-year-old immediately called for the medical team, and after a short while, he left the area to get his finger strapped up by the team physio. However, he returned after the blow and shifted focus to playing the spinners. He then later copped a second blow to his right hand after misjudging a sharp chance while doing fielding practice at slips.
Also Read: IND vs SLC XI LIVE Score, Three-Day Warm-Up Match
{{/usCountry}}Also Read: IND vs SLC XI LIVE Score, Three-Day Warm-Up Match
{{/usCountry}}“Captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India's practice on Thursday. As a precautionary measure, he will not take the field on Day 1 of the warm-up game against SLC XI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress,” the BCCI said in an official update.
“KL Rahul will lead the team in Gill's absence,” the statement added.
Injury troubles
India are already dealing with a plethora of injuries. Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the two Tests against Sri Lanka as he has yet to recover from his knee setback. Recently, Auqib Nabi was named as his replacement. Washington Sundar is also ruled out of the contest due to an injury.
Sai Sudharsan is also recovering from a toe issue back at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and is yet to link up with the squad in Colombo for the Tests against Sri Lanka.
The upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka are crucial for India, as a loss would firmly knock them out of the WTC final race. India needs to win at least seven of their remaining nine matches to have any chance of reaching the summit clash, which will be played at the Oval next year.
Speaking of the three-day warm-up match between India and SLC XI, the latter won the toss and opted to bat.