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India National Cricket Team captain Shubman Gill looked in complete control during a long batting session at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, as he sent a clear message to the Sri Lankan spinners that he is ready for the challenge in the second and final Test, starting August 23.
The right-hander had a poor outing in the first Test, scoring 16 and 8 across the innings during India’s massive 165-run win over Sri Lanka in Galle. Now, he is aiming for a strong comeback in Colombo. Amid this, Sri Lanka Cricket official provides pitch details in advance ahead of IND vs SL 2nd Test.
Shubman Gill ready for big comeback in Colombo
As reported by Times of India, Shubman Gill spent a long time batting in the nets at the Sinhalese Sports Club and looked determined to attack spin. The Indian skipper repeatedly stepped out of his crease and played powerful shots against Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, and Saransh Jain.
Shubman Gill wasn't afraid of taking the risk during the net session. Several of his shots went high into the stands, while teammates and support staff repeatedly reminded him to keep watching the ball. But the skipper continued trying wild shots in Colombo.
The Punjab lad focused on proper cricketing strokes. He hit inside-out shots over cover, drove the ball over the bowler's head, and sent deliveries over long-on. Gill’s footwork also looked much better as the session continued at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Amid this, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav injured before 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka? India coach reveals.
Shubman Gill targets Sri Lanka’s spin attack
Gill sometimes went deep into his crease before playing his shots against India’s left-arm spinners. But he continued his attacking approach and hit several balls for big runs against Saransh Jain. The captain said that he is ready to take on the Sri Lankan spinners in the second Test at Colombo.
That could become an important plan against Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. Gill's aggressive approach could also help India score quickly during the middle overs. However, Gill's approach didn’t work against Jayasuriya in Galle.
He stepped out on the 28th ball he faced but could not make the most of it. Soon after, he attempted an early sweep and misjudged the length, leading to his dismissal. Still, the overall plan was clear. Gill wants to stay positive and attack when the opportunity comes. Interestingly, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is batting alongside the captain at the nets.
Sairaj Bahutule explains Shubman Gill's batting approach
Meanwhile, India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule did not see anything unusual in Gill's approach, saying the captain is simply following his own plan while continuing to adapt according to the situation.
Bahutule said, as quoted by the Times of India, “With Gill, the flow of runs will always be there. This is just his way of adapting and finding the best methods to play, defend, and, more importantly, adapt. So, he has his own methods of adapting and is sticking to that.”
Notably, Kuldeep Yadav and KL Rahul missed India’s practice session in Colombo on Friday. In Kuldeep’s absence, Saransh Jain bowled a long spell in the nets. His performance has now increased talks about his possible selection for the second Test, especially after Sri Lanka added more left-handed batters to their squad for the Colombo game.
