Gill welcomes extra preparation time for Sri Lanka Test series

India captain Shubman Gill has welcomed the extended preparation period available to his squad before the two-match Test series begins in Sri Lanka. The touring side will spend ten days in the country before the opening Test starts in Galle this Saturday, a period that includes a three-day tour match in Colombo.

Gill noted that such a lengthy build-up is rare in the modern era due to congested schedules. He believes the extra time is vital for his players to adjust to local conditions. He explained that many members of the squad lack extensive experience or a high volume of matches, making the time to adapt necessary.

The Indian bowling attack will be without Jasprit Bumrah, who is unavailable for the series because of a knee injury. Gill has called on the remaining bowlers to take responsibility in his absence. He views the situation as a chance for other players to make an impact and establish themselves during the series.

To succeed, Gill emphasized the need for creativity and pressure, particularly during the first two days of play. He noted that wickets may not always offer assistance, requiring the team to use different tactics and creative field settings to prevent the game from slipping away.