Team India has stepped up its preparations for the opening Test against Sri Lanka by recreating Galle-like conditions during practice in Colombo. Ahead of the first Test, starting on August 15 in Galle, head coach Gautam Gambhir ensured the batters trained on a specially prepared cracked pitch designed to simulate Sri Lanka's challenging spin-friendly conditions.

According to media reports, the Indian team arrived in Sri Lanka 11 days before the first Test and has already completed two intensive three-hour training sessions at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) in Colombo. The team will also play a three-day warm-up match against the SLC XI starting Friday to further adapt to local conditions.

Gambhir Confident of India's Preparation

Speaking during the training session, Gambhir expressed confidence in the team's readiness.

"Whether we bat first or bowl first on the morning of August 15, we will have answers to every challenge that comes our way," he said.

Special Practice Pitch Replicates Galle Conditions

To prepare the batters for the sharp turn and uneven bounce expected in Galle, Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak supervised the creation of a special 22-yard uncurated practice wicket at the NCC ground.

The surface was deliberately left with cracks, loose soil, and patches of grass to mimic the conditions typically seen during the fourth and fifth days of a Test match in Galle.

Local School Spinners Join the Practice

Initially, India's net bowlers bowled to the batters before local schoolchildren and young spinners were invited to bowl on the challenging surface.

The unpredictable wicket produced deliveries that either turned sharply or stayed unusually low, allowing India's top-order batters to spend extended periods practicing against difficult spin conditions.

Gill Recovers; Rahul and Padikkal Train Against Spin

Captain Shubman Gill, who injured his thumb during Wednesday's practice session, returned fully fit on Thursday and batted comfortably in the nets.

KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal also underwent lengthy batting sessions against India's frontline spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.

Crucial Series in World Test Championship Race

The two-Test series is significant for India's campaign in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Strong performances against Sri Lanka will be vital to keeping India's hopes of reaching the WTC Final alive.

India drew the Test series 2-2 in England earlier this year but suffered a 0-2 defeat in South Africa, making this series even more important.

Bumrah, Washington Sundar Unavailable

India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar for the opening Test due to fitness concerns. Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan is still awaiting clearance from the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

To assist the batters during practice, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, and Shivang Kumar have joined the squad as net bowlers.

Players Prepared Individually Before Departure

Several players completed individual training before leaving for Sri Lanka.

• KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal trained at indoor facilities in Mumbai.

• Shubman Gill practiced with the red ball in Chandigarh.

• Rishabh Pant focused on batting and fitness in Ranchi.

Tight Security During Practice

Security remained extremely strict throughout India's training sessions at the NCC ground in Colombo. Media personnel were allowed entry only after thorough security checks, while armed security personnel guarded the venue.

India's Dominance Over Sri Lanka

India has dominated the rivalry in recent years. Of the 17 Test series played between the two nations, India has won 10, Sri Lanka has won 3, while 4 have ended in draws.

Sri Lanka has not beaten India in a Test series since 2008, meaning they have gone nearly 18 years without a series victory against their neighbours.