The two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka is all set to kick-off on Saturday (August 15) at the Gall International Cricket Stadium.

On the eve of the fixture, India skipper Shubman Gill spoke to the media and addressed the recent spate of injuries plaguing the team.

While Jasprit Bumrah (knee) and Sai Sudharsan (left foot big toe) were included in India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour subject to fitness clearance, they couldn’t recover in time from their respective injuries. Consequently, they were replaced by Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan respectively.

Recovering from a hamstring injury, Washington Sundar is unlikely to feature in the entire Sri Lanka tour as well. While the off-spin all-rounder is ruled out of the series opener, his participation in the second Test is doubtful with a very slim chance of joining the team.

Gill confirmed the team management remains in constant touch with the injured players and is closely monitoring their progress.

“Yes, we are in touch with them. There is constant monitoring on players and where they are (in terms of fitness),” the captain told reporters.

Gill also spilled beans on Sudharsan's situation, citing that the southpaw’s absence was unfortunate.

“Sai’s case was quite unfortunate. It looked like he would be able to be a part of the series. But we did constant scans and he wasn't improving as much as we would have liked or expected him to be,” he said.

Gill added that the team eventually decided against risking Sudharsan's fitness, considering the intense physical and mental demands of Test cricket.

“So, sometimes you have to take a call from the player's point of view as to whether you want to take that risk,” he stated.

Gill noted that unlike the limited-overs games, a five-day format requires protecting a player's long-term fitness rather than taking unnecessary risks.

“The Test match is for 5 days. If it's one-day or T20, then it's a different story. But in the Test match, you don't want to take a risk. I feel that in the Test match, you have more opportunities with other players to come back,” he explained.

“For example, if you don't play well on the first day, you get another chance. So, the players have more chances to come back. So, keeping that in mind, we were a little disappointed with Sai and Bumrah,” Shubman added.

Despite the injury setbacks, Gill expressed ultimate faith in the remaining squad to deliver a winning performance.

“But it didn't affect the morale of the team that much that they didn't get the first 11. I feel that whoever is in our 15 or whoever we give a chance in our playing 11 in any condition, they can play well and win the game,” he remarked.