ICYMI: What India’s warm-up win over Sri Lanka tells us before the upcoming Tests

ICYMI: What India’s warm-up win over Sri Lanka tells us before the upcoming Tests originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

India's Test team seems to be faring very well recently (touch wood, as an India fan!)

They just finished their warm-ups in Sri Lanka, with a hefty six-wicket win. And while that does not count towards the Test series that begins on Saturday, it has arguably given the team something more useful: answers.

With the first Test only a couple of sleeps away, this warm-up game was vital in assessing India’s preparations, the state of the current XI and decisions to be made for the future. 

Here's what we learned...

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Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill looked comfortable at the top of the order, with the warm-up providing a better idea of Sri Lankan batting conditions for the openers.

Jaiswal’s first stint ended quickly, falling for a second-ball duck. However, he was able to make up for it on the final day, smashing a 61 off of 46 balls and giving India the aggressive push it was looking for. He found his pace and established his momentum before the Test series begins.

Gill had a similar run, as he put together a century partnership in the chase on the final day, along with Jaiswal, providing India a strong position.

Of course, this isn’t his first rodeo, as he’s had plenty of experience with his Test captaincy now. However, every series brings with it a different challenge, and getting in such time before a match is immensely valuable, specifically when you’re responsible for setting the tone of the game by opening, as a captain too!

The Sri Lanka series will definitely be another test of how Gill manages his responsibilities as a leader along with his capabilities as an opening batter.

(Getty)

And then, there was Mohammed Siraj, who stunned us all!

As a key bowler and one of India’s stronger pace options, Siraj is not the name you’d expect on any batting lists. However, cricket is one surprising game, and he proved just that by smashing three consecutive sixes in 13 balls to finish India’s chase unbeaten on 27 and win his team the game.

Definitely not on our checklists (or our 2026 bingo cards, as the Gen Z statement goes!), but it was certainly an innings to remember from Siraj.

My colleague, Jamie Alter, wrote here how his bowling will be the most telling factor come the series proper, but adding some runs with the bat is no bad thing!

Let's not forget Devdutt Padikkal. With Sai Sudharsan unable to participate owing to his injury, the No. 3 position has raised a huge question mark for India.

Padikkal certainly made a loud case for himself. With a smashing 142 not out, he came in and settled at No. 3 more than comfortably, giving India the exact red-ball innings that the team needed from him.

Bearing in mind his earlier omissions from the setup, his timing was as good as it can get. He has certainly proved his worth to the team yet again!

The result in itself, was not necessarily important.

What matters though, is that the Indian playing XI was able to adapt to the Lankan playing conditions and they accustomed themselves with a simulated test before the real series begins.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also stated that the warm-up was arguably more valuable than just net practice sessions, as the match conditions offered prep that just the nets cannot replicate.

I think it was very good and productive," he told reporters afterwards.

If we practice four more days, I don’t think it will be as good as the practice match because [the] bowlers bowled with good intensity, [the] batters batted well.

"We actually tried that everyone, even bowlers get to bat and all the bowlers get enough loading what is required. So it’s been very good."

These warm-up games aren’t valuable in the theoretical sense. However, in practice, they show us who’s ready come the cut and thrust of actual competition.

With the first Test beginning on August 15, India will again be put under the microscope.

And so, Galle awaits....

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