COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground (NCC) in Colombo bore witness to a crucial conclusion of India’s warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI, providing a thorough assessment for the Indian squad ahead of their Test series. The three-day encounter, culminating on August 9th, offered a blend of intense preparation, injury recovery, and even an unexpected visit from a familiar face in the cricketing world.
The final day brought a notable spectator to the NCC – Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten. Strolling along the ropes, Kirsten was quickly recognized by the media contingent. He graciously engaged with fans before sharing a brief chat with Indian all-rounder Gurnoor Brar, who was on a hydration break. Kirsten, known affectionately as ‘Guru Gary,’ then spoke with left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and throwdown specialist Raghu. Both Brar and Suthar had previously worked with Kirsten as net bowlers during his tenure as batting coach and mentor for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL from 2022 to 2024.
Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten at the NCC. (Photo: Sahil Malhotra)
Throughout his visit, Kirsten meticulously observed the Indian bowlers in action and occasionally glanced at the scoreboard before retiring to the NCC’s main pavilion cafe.
The warm-up proved to be a resounding success for India, as they effectively “ticked most of their boxes” in preparation for the series opener on August 15th in Galle. The team has been diligently working since their arrival in Colombo on August 4th, undertaking two full-intensity practice sessions before the three-day warm-up commenced on August 7th.
A significant concern was the fitness of captain Shubman Gill, who had sustained an impact injury to the ring finger of his right hand. His absence from the first two days of the warm-up raised questions about his availability. However, a marathon net session and a confident 44-run knock on Day 3 assuaged all fears, allowing India to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Gill’s signature drives were back, executed with an ease that dispelled any lingering doubts about his readiness for the upcoming series.
India captain Shubman Gill bats in the second innings.
He struck seven exquisite boundaries during his 54-ball stay at the crease, showcasing his impeccable form.
The Indian management strategically provided opportunities to players who had not scored significantly in the first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel all received valuable time at the crease. After Jaiswal retired hurt having scored 61, Rishabh Pant, batting at number five, displayed remarkable solidity. Breaking from his usual aggressive style, Pant patiently navigated 21 deliveries without scoring before unleashing a six off his 22nd ball to get off the mark. His composed innings highlighted his crucial role in the team’s middle order. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel accompanied Pant in the final overs. Despite getting out cheaply again in this warm-up, Jurel’s impressive century and half-century while leading India A against Sri Lanka A last month are likely to secure his spot as a specialist batter in the upcoming Test matches.
Before the batsmen honed their skills, the Indian bowlers also had a productive outing. Pacers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar bowled with intensity. Aquib Nabi, who did not get to bowl in the first innings, also had an opportunity to showcase his talent. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav was not seen in action, even as other spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, and Saransh Jain bowled their overs.
Gurnoor Brar picked up two wickets in the second innings. (BCCI | X)
Ultimately, four sixes from Mohammed Siraj sealed a six-wicket victory for India in the warm-up.
The atmosphere at the NCC over the past few days was a unique blend of professional preparation and understated enthusiasm. From the captain’s return to fitness to the diligent efforts of the support staff, and the unexpected visit from a coaching legend, the warm-up provided a comprehensive overview. A handful of local fans, content with gentle acknowledgements, watched their cricketing heroes without chaos, preferring to sip chilled beers while enjoying the game.
Handful of spectators turned out on Day 3 to watch the match. (Photo: Sahil Malhotra)
The casual setting of the warm-up will soon be replaced by the competitive intensity of Test cricket in Galle, where crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points will be on the line. It’s likely that Gary Kirsten will be referring to the notes he made while observing the Indian team, as both sides prepare for a challenging series.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka Cricket XI: 363 for 8 declared & 200 for 6 declared (Nishan Fernando 63, Nipun Dhananjaya 46; Gurnoor Brar 2/37, Ravindra Jadeja 2/33)
India: 357 for 6 declared & 214 for 4 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 61, Shubman Gill 44, Mohammed Siraj 32 not out; Keshara Nuwantha 2/57)
