Shubman Gill leads India in 600th Test as WTC qualification window narrows

India begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday, marking the country's 600th Test match. Shubman Gill captains the side on the landmark occasion, with Gautam Gambhir as head coach.

India currently occupy fifth place on the World Test Championship points table — another sequence of dropped points would further reduce their chances of qualifying for the final. Gill said it's an honour to lead the side in the 600th Test and emphasized the team needs a strong performance to stay in contention.

India won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch described as favourable for a full day's play. Devdutt Padikkal replaces injured Sai Sudharsan in the XI.