IND vs SL: Shubman Gill Takes Special Measures in Galle Nets to Counter Reverse Swing Threat

As the Indian cricket team gears up to resume their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign after a nine-month hiatus, captain Shubman Gill is leaving absolutely nothing to chance.

While the turning tracks of Sri Lanka usually shift the focus entirely toward spin bowling, Gill’s recent training session indicates that the team management is equally wary of a reverse swing threat.

With India currently sitting fifth on the WTC points table, the upcoming two-match Test series starting August 15 in Galle carries massive significance. Following a comfortable victory in their three-day warm-up fixture, the team held an optional training session at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC). While frontline pacers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar opted for rest, the highlight of the day was Gill’s rigorous and highly specialized batting drill.

Simulating a “Day 4” Wicket

According to reports, the Indian team management specifically instructed the NCC ground staff to leave the practice pitch untouched after the warm-up game against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI. The objective was to practice on a deteriorating surface that perfectly mirrored a Day 4 Test match track, complete with wide cracks, uneven bounce, and abrasive conditions.

This abrasive nature of the Sri Lankan pitches is exactly what brings reverse swing into play. Unlike the lush green outfields in countries like Australia, where the Kookaburra ball retains its shine for long periods, the dry squares in Sri Lanka scuff up the leather much faster. Understanding that the older ball will start hooping around earlier than usual, Gill took it upon himself to sharpen his defensive technique and footwork.

A Specially Designed Throw-Down Session

After completing his initial warm-up routines, the Indian skipper walked into the practice nets and faced three throw-down specialists: Nuwan Seneviratne, Raghavedra Dwivedi, and Dayanand Garani. Gill had specifically instructed the trio to use a variety of semi-old Kookaburra balls to simulate the exact trajectory and late movement of reverse swing.

The intense 20-minute throw-down session was followed by a stint in the center wicket. There, Gill faced Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who was also tasked with bowling semi-old Kookaburras to test the captain’s reflexes and shot selection against the reversing ball.

The first Test is scheduled to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test at the SSC Ground in Colombo on August 23.