India begin three-day warm-up against Sri Lanka XI on Friday

India's preparations for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka enter a crucial phase with a three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI beginning on Friday. The match was originally scheduled for four days but has been trimmed to three.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir told the team that every question must be answered before the first Test on August 15 in Galle. India last played Test cricket in June and need to reacquaint themselves with the longest format while adapting to Sri Lankan conditions.

Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tour with injury. Auqib Nabi earned a maiden India call-up as his replacement. Washington Sundar's injury opened the door for Madhya Pradesh spinner Saransh Jain. Sai Sudharsan is expected to rejoin the squad before the first Test but will miss the warm-up.