Team India have begun preparations for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka under extraordinary security arrangements in Colombo. The Shubman Gill-led side arrived in the island nation on Tuesday, August 4, but the focus quickly shifted from cricket to the unprecedented restrictions surrounding the team's practice sessions.
According to reports from Colombo, fans have been denied access to the National Cricket Club (NCC) Grounds, while journalists have been instructed to carry government-issued media accreditation to enter the venue. Even NCC members have reportedly been asked to produce membership identification before being allowed inside the premises.
India's Test squad arrived in Sri Lanka on August 4, touching down at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo at 3:50 pm local time, where officials from Sri Lanka Cricket welcomed the visitors.
The two-match Test series forms part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, making it an important assignment for both teams as they look to strengthen their position in the WTC standings. The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, while the second Test is scheduled at the SSC in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Capturing smiles and creating travel memories on the way to Colombo ??️#TeamIndia have arrived in Sri Lanka ?#SLvIND pic.twitter.com/TuRFOW4gIw
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 5, 2026Before the series begins, India will fine-tune their preparations with a three-day warm-up match at the NCC Grounds in Colombo from August 7 to 9. The fixture was initially planned as a four-day contest before being shortened to three days.
India train under unprecedented security in Colombo; journalist says "not even during the height of war"
India's training sessions at the NCC Grounds are taking place under unusually tight security, with strict access protocols in place for everyone entering the venue.
Sri Lankan journalist Rex Clementine highlighted the situation on social media, claiming that the restrictions are unlike anything witnessed during previous India tours.
"Strict protocols as Indian team is training at NCC. Venue is out of bounds for fans. Journalists are asked to carry government issued media accreditation. The club has informed members of NCC to carry membership ids. Bit of chaos. Not even during the height of war we saw this," Rex Clementine posted on X.
Strict protocols as Indian team is training at NCC. Venue is out of bounds for fans. Journalists are asked to carry government issued media accreditation.The club has informed members of NCC to carry membership ids. Bit of chaos. Not even during the height of war we saw this.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) August 5, 2026The measures mean supporters will not be able to watch India's training sessions, while even accredited media personnel face additional verification before being allowed into the ground. Although no official reason has been provided for the enhanced arrangements, security around the Indian team appears significantly tighter than on previous tours of Sri Lanka.
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Sai Sudharsan misses Sri Lanka tour departure, stays back for rehabilitation
While the rest of the Indian squad travelled to Colombo, top-order batter Sai Sudharsan remained in Bengaluru to continue his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).
The left-handed batter is recovering from a toe injury sustained during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka and is currently training under the supervision of the BCCI medical staff. He has already resumed batting in the nets, with the medical team closely monitoring his progress before taking a final call on his return.
According to PTI, Sudharsan has been batting for over an hour during training sessions at the CoE, and his condition will continue to be assessed over the next few days before a decision is made on whether he can join the squad for the ongoing series.
The medical staff are keen to ensure the youngster regains full fitness before returning to international cricket, with the BCCI determined to avoid another premature comeback similar to previous injury setbacks suffered by Indian players. If his recovery continues as expected, Sudharsan could link up with the squad before the second Test in Colombo, giving India an additional batting option later in the series.
Also Read: Watch: KL Rahul takes special spin training on tough wicket ahead of Sri Lanka Tests
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