In a significant development that offers a sigh of relief to the Indian cricket camp, captain Shubman Gill underwent an extensive and reassuring batting session at the Nondescript Cricket Club (NCC) in Colombo. The session, lasting well over an hour, marked his first full practice since sustaining an impact injury on the eve of the ongoing multi-day fixture.

Moments after Mohammed Siraj commenced Day 3 proceedings on the main pitch, Gill donned his training gear and headed to the nets. He was accompanied by a distinguished coaching panel including Gautam Gambhir, Morne Morkel, Sairaj Bahutale, and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. The presence of such senior figures underscored the importance of assessing Gill’s recovery and readiness.

Initial observations showed decent taping around Gill’s thumb as he took guard. However, any concerns about his fitness were quickly dispelled as the right-hander appeared comfortable and “back to business as usual” on what was described as a pleasant morning in Colombo. The practice bowlers for the session included Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam, with Gill rotating between nets to ensure a comprehensive workout.

A notable aspect of the session was the strong emphasis on spin bowling. Gill engaged in “long and animated chats” with batting coach Kotak during breaks, suggesting a focused approach to tackling spin, a critical component of contemporary cricket. Both Gambhir and Morkel meticulously observed Gill’s progress while simultaneously keeping an eye on the day’s play in the warm-up match.

As the session progressed and Gill found his rhythm, he even removed the taping around his right hand, a clear indication of increasing comfort and confidence. From 10:05 am to 11:25 am, the attention of the coaching staff and onlookers was solely on the practice area. The collective sigh of relief was palpable when the captain concluded his session and walked back to the dugout without any visible discomfort or adverse reactions.

Following the nets, head physio Kamlesh Jain conducted a swift check, appearing satisfied with Gill’s progress. This positive assessment paves the way for the team’s transition to Galle, where crucial fixtures await.

Despite this encouraging recovery, TimesofIndia.com had previously reported that Gill remains unlikely to feature in the ongoing warm-up match. The team management is keen to avoid any unnecessary risks, especially given India’s current spate of injury concerns. The squad is already grappling with injuries, and a replacement for Sai Sudharsan, who has been ruled out of the series, is expected to be named shortly.

The race to replace the southpaw is reportedly a three-way contest, with Shaik Rasheed, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad emerging as the frontrunners. The upcoming decisions from the think tank will be crucial as India prepares for its critical engagements, hoping Gill’s swift return to full match fitness will bolster their prospects.