Team India used their final training session in Colombo to replicate the kind of challenging conditions they could encounter during the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. With 270 overs already bowled during the warm-up game, the NCC Ground pitch had developed rough patches. This prompted the team management to use the worn surface for an extended batting exercise.

The entire likely top-seven batting group was given time in the middle. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were followed by Devdutt Padikkal and captain Shubman Gill, while Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja also had opportunities against the bowlers.

Spin was the primary focus, with Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain among those operating. Travelling net bowler Auqib Nabi was the only specialist pacer used extensively and bowled for close to an hour, including deliveries designed to produce reverse swing.

Padikkal, who had struck a century in the warm-up fixture, appeared less comfortable against spin during this session. His uncertainty over shot selection was noticeable as he switched between sweep attempts and conventional straight-bat play.

India focus on spin, rough conditions ahead in Galle

Pant, meanwhile, provided the most aggressive display. After initially adopting a defensive approach, the wicketkeeper-batter began attacking the spinners from the crease. He produced a range of powerful strokes, including several boundaries, offering a glimpse of how his natural attacking style could potentially put Sri Lanka’s spinners under pressure.

Sarfaraz Khan, recently drafted into the squad as Sai Sudharsan’s replacement, also received valuable batting time. Although his place in the playing XI remains uncertain, the opportunity allowed him to make a case for himself on a turning surface.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir closely monitored the proceedings and personally interacted with several batters, including Pant, Jurel and Gill. His experience against spin was also useful as he offered technical inputs.

After three days of warm-up cricket and several demanding training sessions, India will now travel to Galle. The intense preparation reflects their determination to adapt quickly to Sri Lankan conditions and strengthen their position in the World Test Championship campaign.

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