India Celebrates Independence Day with Tricolour Hoisting in Galle Ahead of 600th Test

India commenced its Independence Day celebrations in Galle, where head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, along with the team, hoisted the national flag. This event coincides with India's historic 600th Test match against Sri Lanka.

Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening Test of the two-match series. The series is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure important points for the World Test Championship, with India currently in fifth place and Sri Lanka in sixth.

India made one change to its lineup from the last Test against Afghanistan, with Devdutt Padikkal replacing Sai Sudharsan, who is sidelined due to a stress fracture. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also unavailable due to injury. The team has opted for three spinners and two fast bowlers, similar to their previous match.