Shubman Gill Targets Spin Weakness Ahead of IND vs SL 2nd Test

Shubman Gill has turned his attention to a specific weakness ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, working extensively against left-arm orthodox spin during India’s practice session on August 21.

The India captain struggled against Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya in the first Test in Galle, scoring just 16 and 8 in the two innings. Despite India’s 165-run victory, Gill’s struggles against left-arm spin remain a key talking point ahead of the Colombo Test.

Shubman Gill Targets Left-Arm Spin in Practice

Gill reportedly spent significant time working against left-arm spinners during India’s nets session at the Sinhalese Sports Club. The batting drill was aimed at improving his movement, shot selection and ability to handle spin bowling.

Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and local net bowlers were among those involved in the extended practice session. The focused preparation highlights Gill’s intention to address the issue before the second Test begins.

Gill’s Struggles Against Left-Arm Spinners

Left-arm orthodox bowling has presented a particular challenge for Gill during his Test career. He has been dismissed by left-arm spinners 11 times across 42 Test matches, according to the statistics cited in the report.

His record against other types of spin has generally been stronger. Gill averages around 61 against off-spin and wrist-spin combined, while his overall average against spin is close to 48.

That contrast makes his performance against Sri Lanka’s left-arm spin attack especially important in Colombo.

Prabath Jayasuriya Could Be a Key Threat Again

Jayasuriya dismissed Gill in both innings of the first Test, making the Sri Lankan spinner one of the players India captain will be particularly keen to counter.

With Sri Lanka preparing for the second and final Test, Gill’s ability to negate Jayasuriya and other spinners could have a major influence on India’s batting performance.

Kuldeep Yadav Gets a Lighter Workload

India also managed the workload of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav during Friday’s training session. He attended practice but did not bowl or bat.

Kuldeep had a relatively quiet first Test, taking only one wicket while conceding 103 runs from 25 overs. His workload management does not necessarily indicate that he will be dropped for the Colombo Test.

Saransh Jain Gets Extended Net Session

Off-spinner Saransh Jain received an extended bowling session in the nets, with Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill facing him.

Jain managed to beat Pant’s bat on several occasions, but the extended practice appears to have been part of India’s preparation rather than a definite indication that he will replace Kuldeep in the playing XI.

KL Rahul Misses Training Session

KL Rahul was absent from India’s training session on August 21, while Dhruv Jurel arrived later for a short batting session.

Both players made important contributions in the second innings of the opening Test, scoring crucial fifties as India secured a convincing 165-run victory in Galle.

India Look to Seal the Series

The second Test between India and Sri Lanka begins on August 23 in Colombo. India currently lead the two-match series 1-0 and will be aiming to complete a series sweep.

For Gill, the Test will provide an immediate opportunity to show whether his focused preparation against left-arm spin has addressed one of the few noticeable weaknesses in his batting.

With the World Test Championship cycle also in focus, India will be eager to maintain their winning momentum and finish the Sri Lanka tour on a strong note.