SL v IND 2026: ‘BCCI obliged to Shubman Gill’s request for more prep time by announcing India squad early’- Hanuma Vihari

India will play two Tests in Sri Lanka starting on August 15 in Galle.

India captain Shubman Gill’s request for more preparation time for the Test team has been obliged by the BCCI by announcing the squad early for the Sri Lanka Test series, opined Hanuma Vihari. India is slated to play two Tests in Sri Lanka, with the first game in Galle from August 15 and the second Test in SSC Colombo from August 23.

After home Test series losses against New Zealand and South Africa, Gill had asked the BCCI for 15-day camps before every Test series going forward. The BCCI has listened to their Test captain and the squad for the Sri Lanka Tests on July 28.

"The BCCI announced the Test squad very early. Not often do we see this, as usually a Test series is right after the IPL or an ODI or T20I series. But after losses to New Zealand and South Africa at home, Shubman Gill had given a statement about needing enough preparation time for a Test series. I think the BCCI obliged to Shubman Gill's input, and keeping that in mind, they have announced the squad early. India will also play a practice match before the series, and you don't see that often," Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Interestingly, India will also play a four-day practice game in Sri Lanka before the Test series from August 7. Vihari predicted that Shubman Gill and his teammates will need to win this series to stay in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

"This series is important for India, as if they win both games, they will have a chance to advance in the WTC table. If you win both games in a two-match series, the chances of the percentage increasing become higher. This series, and then the series against New Zealand and Australia, will determine whether India qualifies for the final or not,” he added.

The Indian team is placed fourth on the WTC 2027 table with four wins and as many defeats from nine Test matches with a percentage of 48.15.

Hanuma Vihari warned the Indian team not to take Sri Lanka lightly in their own backyard given the spin-friendly conditions, even if India were unquestionably the superior squad on paper and the favorites to start.

In order to properly prepare for the Sri Lanka series, Vihari suggested that Shubman Gill and company practice the sweep shot more frequently.

"Sri Lanka is a dangerous side at home, as there are slow learners there. The Indian batters do not play the sweep shot a lot. They will have to practice doing that. In international cricket, only proper practice will help make things easier during matches," he said.

This is the first time India is touring Sri Lanka for a Test series since 2017.