Shubman Gill is very much ready for the first Test, says Sairaj Bahutule

Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India's practice session on August 6, 2026, but has recovered sufficiently to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The India captain missed the opening two days of the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo as a precautionary measure while the injury was assessed. His return to action came on the final day of the warm-up fixture, where he demonstrated his readiness for international cricket.

India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed after the warm-up match that Gill had progressed well and was fit for the first Test. The coaching staff's decision to rest the 26-year-old initially was purely a cautious move, with no lingering concerns about his physical condition.

"It was just a precaution more than anything else. And he has been absolutely fine. He has been doing his training." Bahutule was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"And the management decided that we could just take that precaution of not putting him into that first day (of the practice match). And I think everything, the way he batted in the second inning, was again flawless. He is very much ready for the Test match," the former India leg-spinner added.

Gill's performance on the final day of the warm-up match provided clear evidence of his recovery. Opening the batting after the SLC XI set India a target of 207, Gill scored 44 runs off 54 balls with seven boundaries. India won the match by six wickets. His innings demonstrated both technical soundness and the ability to construct an innings under match conditions, addressing any lingering doubts about his physical condition ahead of the first Test.

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The much-awaited first Test between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on Saturday, August 15, at the Galle International Stadium. Gill continues as India's Test captain for the two-match series. The warm-up match performance and coaching staff clearance indicate he would be available for selection when the series gets underway.

India is going through a transition phase in the red-ball format and having Gill available to lead the side is imperative for the Asian giants, who are in a tough spot in the World Test Championship (WTC). They would be desperate to hand Sri Lanka a whitewash and gain crucial WTC points in the Island Nation.