# Gill elects to bat as India begin 600th Test in Galle

2026-08-15T05:17:26+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Galle on Saturday. The match is India’s 600th Test and falls on Independence Day. India have retained five bowlers, with Devdutt Padikkal replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan. Their attack comprises Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar. Sri Lanka have handed a debut to off-spin all-rounder Keshara Nuwantha. Gill said Galle offers extra bounce for spinners, while wind at the open venue could affect batting decisions. The two-match series forms part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. India’s listed XI is Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Gill, Padikkal, Rishabh Pant, Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep, Suthar, Siraj and Krishna.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka/indias-600th-test-shubman-gill-opts-to-bat-vs-sri-lanka-heres-who-made-indias-xi-in-galle/articleshow/133255707.cms>
- freepressjournal.in <https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ind-vs-sl-1st-test-shubman-gill-wins-toss-elects-to-bat-first-in-high-stakes-galle-clash>
- sportstar.thehindu.com <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-live-score-day-1-updates-1st-test-scorecard-commentary-highlights/article71348414.ece>
- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/sri-lanka-vs-india-2026/shubman-gill-points-out-1-big-concern-for-galle-test-vs-sri-lanka-we-talk-in-team-meetings-11910185>

Tags: Galle, ICC World Test Championship, India, Shubman Gill, Sri Lanka
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