India train hard ahead of series opener in Galle

India have had a tough time in the longer format and would like to commence their home-leg preparations on a high. (Source: Facebook)

Indian cricket team get their Sri Lanka tour underway when the two teams battle it out in the first Test, starting at Galle on Wednesday.

India have had a tough time in the longer format and would like to commence their home-leg preparations on a high. Prior to this tour, India drew with Bangladesh in the one-off Test and lost the series 2-0 in Australia.

Much before the first ball was bowled, India receieved a severe blow when their star opener Murali Vijay was ruled out. The right-hander picked up a niggle during recently concluded tour of Zimbabwe.

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Vijay didn’t come out to bat in both the innings of the tour game against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI and the signs were not good.

As far as Cheteshwar Pujara is concerned, it seems comeback is not on the cards. At a presser, Ravi Shastri threw his weight behind Rohit Sharma and said Pujara will make a comeback at some point.

“If Pujara is in the best five batsmen of the team he will play, if not he doesn’t. I am sure he will make a comeback at some point, especially if we are playing only four bowlers.”

Virat Kohli-led India have already reached Galle, venue for the First Test, and underwent a rigorous training session in overcast conditions on Monday.

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