Need to win around 6 or 7 Tests for WTC final: Gill

Kolkata: Shubman Gill isn’t particularly interested in treating India’s first Test in Sri Lanka as a fresh start. For him, the larger picture is already clear: the next nine Tests are the road to the World Test Championship final, and India —currently fifth —.

Gill expects the Galle surface to offer more bounce than some Indian pitches, with spin remaining central as the match progresses. He also believes the open nature of the ground makes wind a tactical factor for batters, particularly when taking on the spinners.

What Happened

The bigger challenge will be finding India’s 20 wickets without Jasprit Bumrah, while maintaining enough depth with the bat. Gill believes that is precisely where India’s lower order must contribute.

• But I think Prasidh recently has been bowling the best that I have ever seen him bowl.

• They both are very skilled bowlers and they bowled really well in the practice match.

• Gill praised both Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna, with the latter having impressed him particularly in recent red-ball cricket.

Key Details

India’s bowling selection, meanwhile, remains intriguing.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Hindustan Times as more details emerge