Chaminda Vaas backs Shubman Gill to be India's standout batter at Galle

Former Sri Lanka fast bowler Chaminda Vaas has identified India captain Shubman Gill as the player who will matter most for India in the first Test at Galle, citing his temperament and describing him as the finest Indian batter he has watched across the past few seasons.

The first Test is scheduled at Galle from August 15 to 19. The second Test follows at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo, beginning August 23. Vaas praised India's batting depth and quality, but singled Gill out as a key difference-maker.

"Shubman Gill has been performing really well. KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal—I can name many. Even though Virat and Rohit are not there, India still have a powerhouse of talent. They have so many good, upcoming cricketers, eager to perform and waiting for their opportunities. I’m sure Shubman Gill will be the key, especially in the first Test in Galle. He has the temperament. Once he gets going, it is very difficult to get him out. I’ve seen him bat, and he is a brilliant player. He is the best I have seen in India over the last few years," Vaas told RevSportz

Vaas acknowledged that wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis' unavailability leaves a noticeable gap in Sri Lanka's batting order. Mendis is regarded as one of Sri Lanka's most important top-order batters, and his absence through injury ahead of a home Test series is a concern Vaas did not downplay. Mendis had injured his hamstring in a domestic game.

"Kusal Mendis is a key player for Sri Lankan cricket. Unfortunately, he has been injured. But there are quite a few young cricketers coming through. One player, Anjana Bandara, has been playing really well for the A team and has scored a couple of centuries. Sadeera Samarawickrama has also played Test cricket. Those are two players they might look at. There are quite a few batters coming through as well. Players like Kamil Mishara performed excellently in the recent LPL," Vaas said.

India's build-up has had its own disruptions. Gill sustained a finger injury during slip practice ahead of the tour warm-up match, though he recovered well enough to bat in the second innings, contributing 44 off 54 balls. His return to form in that knock will offer the management some reassurance before the series opener.

The squad is also without Jasprit Bumrah, who was named in the original selection but was subsequently ruled out due to injury. His absence is a notable loss to India's pace attack. On a more encouraging note, Ravindra Jadeja has been recalled to the Test squad for this series after being rested for the Afghanistan Tests in June.