India beats Sri Lanka XI in warm-up match ahead of Test series

India secured a six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in a three-day warm-up match in Colombo, serving as preparation for the upcoming two-match Test series starting August 15.

Mohammed Siraj provided a dramatic finish, hitting three consecutive sixes in the final over to help India chase down a target of 207. Devdutt Padikkal stood out with an unbeaten 142 in the first innings, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed 63.

Captain Shubman Gill, who missed the first two days of the match due to a precautionary rest following a finger injury sustained in practice, returned to bat on the final day. He scored 44 runs, and spin coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed Gill is "very much ready" for the first Test in Galle.

Regarding player workload, Kuldeep Yadav was rested during the second innings as a precautionary measure after bowling 18 overs, with Bahutule clarifying there are no fitness concerns. The warm-up provided crucial adaptation time for the squad to adjust to local pitch conditions.