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Shubman Gill Injured: Worrying news emerged for Indian fans during the three-day warm-up match between India and the Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Team captain Shubman Gill did not take the field due to an injury, and KL Rahul stepped in for the toss instead.
Sharing details of the injury on the social media platform 'X', the BCCI stated that Gill had injured the ring finger of his right hand during a practice session on Thursday. As a precautionary measure, he did not play on the first day of the warm-up match. The BCCI medical team is currently monitoring his condition.
The Indian camp will be hoping that Gill's injury is not serious. However, if he does not fully recover in time for the first Test (India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 ), the following players are the frontrunners to take his place at the crucial No. 3 position:
2 Players Who Can Replace Gill in 1st Test vs SL
1. Devdutt Padikkal: Prime Candidate for No. 3 Spot
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Devdutt Padikkal is considered the most suitable and likely option for the No. 3 position should Shubman Gill be unable to play.
- Indication from the practice match: With Gill not coming out to bat in the warm-up match, Devdutt Padikkal was allowed to bat at No. 3. This clearly indicates that the team management views him as a backup for Gill.
- Excellent domestic cricket experience: Padikkal has been a consistent performer in the Ranji Trophy over the past few years. As a specialist batsman, he is well-equipped to fill the void left by Gill in the Test format.
Also Read: IND vs SL Tests: Top 5 Highest Wicket-Takers in India vs Sri Lanka
2. Dhruv Jurel: Strong Middle-Order Option
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If India seeks to introduce some flexibility into its batting order, Dhruv Jurel could prove to be an excellent option.
- Effective in tough situations: In the 9 Test innings he has played so far, Jurel has scored 478 runs at an average of 34.14. Notably, these runs have often come under immense pressure and in challenging conditions for the team.
- Utilized as a specialist batter: Jurel's recent performances demonstrate that he is not merely a backup wicketkeeper for Rishabh Pant but possesses the capability to feature in the playing XI as a specialist batter.
Also Read: IND vs SL Tests: Top 5 Highest Run-Scorers in India vs Sri Lanka
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