India captain Shubman Gill and Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva officially kicked off the build-up to the two-match Test series by posing with the trophy at the Galle International Stadium. The opening Test is scheduled to begin on Saturday, August 15, at the iconic venue, setting the stage for an important contest in the World Test Championship cycle.
Gill and Dhananjaya stood together inside the stadium with the trophy, with Galle Fort providing a picturesque backdrop. Both captains were dressed in their respective Test jerseys, while Gill also sported the traditional baggy blue cap. The India captain was later photographed individually with the trophy before the two leaders posed together and shook hands during the official photoshoot.
The Indian cricket team shared pictures from the ceremony on social media, signalling that both sides are ready for the series opener. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Colombo, giving both teams an important opportunity to make an early impact in the two-match series.
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For India, the Galle Test carries additional historical significance as it will mark the team’s 600th Test match. India will become only the third team after England and Australia to reach the milestone in men’s Test cricket.
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India played their first Test in 1932 and has since recorded 186 wins, 188 defeats, and 224 draws. The landmark match will also be particularly significant for Gill, who will play his first Test in Sri Lanka as India’s captain.
Gill has already taken charge of India’s Test side during an important transition period, and the Sri Lanka series will provide another test of his leadership in overseas conditions.
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India will be aiming for a clean sweep in the two-Test series as they look to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship. With every result carrying significant weight in the WTC race, Gill’s side will be keen to start strongly in Galle and maintain momentum throughout the series.
