Star India captain Shubman Gill said that it is a “huge honour” to captain his side for the country’s 600th Test when they take on Sri Lanka on Saturday in the first match of a two-match away Test series. Only England (1,097) and Australia (883) have played more Tests than India, and the landmark match also coincides with India’s Independence Day as well.

“It’s a big honour and privilege for me to captain India in any Test match,” Shubman Gill told reporters in Galle. “Captaining India in our 600th Test is a huge honour and doing it on India’s Independence Day makes it even more special.”

However, Team India started their Test journey in 1932 against England at Lord’s and have since won 186 matches and lost 188 as well. They have drawn 224 games, with one match ending in a tie. They also arrive in Sri Lanka looking to revive their red-ball fortunes after a tough period under coach Gautam Gambhir.

India, who have won 8 matches and lost 10 of their 20 Test matches under Gautam Gambhir so far, have slipped to fifth in the World Test Championship standings, one place above Sri Lanka as well.

“I’m very comfortable with the way we have progressed over the last year. I feel we are moving in the right direction,” said Gill. “Our main goal is to play in the World Test Championship final next year and if we win six or seven games out of the next nine, we have a good chance. To get there, winning this series is very important and that’s what everyone is focusing on.”

However, India have been forced to make changes in their line-up due to injuries. Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan is not available, and Devdutt Padikkal, who hit an unbeaten century in the warm-up game in Colombo, is set to take his place. The first match will also mark a milestone for Galle, which will become the first venue in Asia to host 50 Test matches as well.