Shortly after Gautam Gambhir's trip to Galle, the pitch was mowed.

Sri Lanka's cricket team conducted a private practice session on Wednesday at the historic Galle Fort, a venue known for its stunning views. The session was closed to the public and media, but the picturesque surroundings allowed for a glimpse of the team's preparations. During the practice, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak made an unexpected visit to inspect the pitch, prompting ground staff to briefly remove the cover before quickly replacing it after their departure.

Following the coaches' visit, the main pitch cover was removed again, allowing ground staff to begin their maintenance work. They utilized a grass mower on the playing surface, making several trips across the pitch before employing a soft roller to ensure optimal conditions. The pitch is expected to play a significant role in determining India's playing XI for the upcoming Test match, with both seamers and spinners being considered for selection.

As the Test match approaches, the Indian management faces a crucial decision regarding their bowling lineup. With just three days remaining, the possibility of fielding three seamers or three spinners remains on the table. The team has previously indicated the importance of assessing the pitch conditions on Day 1 before finalizing their bowling strategy. If the pitch does not appear conducive to spin, it is likely that seamers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar will be included in the lineup.

The selection process is not overly complex, but the choice between an additional seamer or spinner could prove pivotal. Without the option of all-rounders like Washington Sundar or Nitish Kumar Reddy, the team must ensure they select the right specialists. Saransh Jain's potential inclusion remains a topic of discussion, while Kuldeep Yadav's participation in both Tests is deemed essential for captain Shubman Gill to secure 20 wickets, especially in the absence of injured bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

In addition to team selection, the Indian management is closely monitoring weather forecasts, as the region has experienced sporadic but intense rainfall since the team's arrival at their seaside resort. Although Wednesday's weather was clear and sunny, predictions indicate a likelihood of rain in the upcoming week. India did not hold training sessions on August 11 and 12 but is scheduled to resume practice at 10 a.m. on Thursday. The team recently completed a rigorous training regimen in Colombo, which included three high-intensity sessions and a three-day warm-up, allowing players to acclimate to match conditions. The final day of match simulation at the NCC Ground marked a successful week for Gill and his squad, who are now set to head to Galle ready for the challenges ahead.