Shubman Gill suffers injury scare ahead of Sri Lanka Tests; KL Rahul made captain for warm-up fixture - Firstpost

Team India suffered a major injury jolt ahead of the scheduled Sri Lanka series after Test captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury, raising doubts about his status for the team's upcoming assignment. The Indian cricket team arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, August 4, and began training for the three-day warm-up fixture. Under Shubman Gill's leadership, the Men in Blue would aim to improve their World Test Championship standings after coming off humiliating defeats to New Zealand and South Africa at home. Shubman Gill suffers impact injury On the eve of the three-day warm-up fixture, Gill copped two blows during India's training session in Colombo. According to Times Now, the Indian captain got hit on his right thumb while facing fast bowler Gurnoor Brar and promptly called for the medical team. Geared 🆙 for Match Day! All set for the multi-day warm-up match against SLC XI starting today 👌👌#TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/0V6zPjYiyH — BCCI (@BCCI) August 7, 2026 Gill's session had to be halted temporarily, and the team physio strapped his thumb. He eventually returned to training and shifted to face the spin attack for the remainder of his session. Also Read | Gautam Gambhir issues motivational call as India kick off preparations for Sri Lanka Tests: 'Be ready with every answer' The 26-year-old suffered another blow during the slip-catching session, hitting the previously injured hand and had to apply an ice pack on the affected area. KL Rahul leads India, Gill under monitoring of medical team On Friday, the BCCI confirmed that captain Shubman Gill would not take the field on day one of the three-day warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka as a 'precautionary measure,' woth the medical team monitoring his progress. Update: Captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India's practice on Thursday. As a precautionary measure, he will not take the field on Day 1 of the warm-up game against SLC XI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress. KL Rahul… https://t.co/Mzu2yW4OgX — BCCI (@BCCI) August 7, 2026 "Captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India's practice on Thursday. As a precautionary measure, he will not take the field on Day 1 of the warm-up game against SLC XI," the BCCI wrote on 'X'. Also Read | India batting unit gear up for spin trial in warm-up ahead of Sri Lanka Test series In Gill's absence, KL Rahul is leading India's charge in the warm-up fixture at the Nondescripts Cricket Club. The Indian team management has been cautious with Gill due to their string of injury concerns in the squad. The India-Sri Lanka Test series would begin on August 15 at Galle.