Gill's Secret Prep: Battling Sri Lanka's Reverse Swing

As the Indian cricket team prepares for their World Test Championship campaign, captain Shubman Gill has undergone rigorous training to counter the threat of reverse swing. India is set to play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15 in Galle. The team recently held an optional training session on a specially prepared pitch that mimicked a 'Day 4' Test wicket, complete with cracks and uneven bounce.

This practice aimed to replicate the abrasive conditions in Sri Lanka that accelerate the ball's scuffing, leading to earlier reverse swing. Gill participated in an intense throw-down session using semi-old Kookaburra balls, followed by facing a fast bowler replicating the same conditions. The first Test is scheduled for August 15, with the second match commencing on August 23 in Colombo. India currently holds fifth place in the WTC standings, making this series vital for their campaign.