Mohammad Siraj trims Sarfaraz Khan's hair before test matches against Sri Lanka

The Indian team is preparing for a two-match test series against Sri Lanka, concluding the final stage of training activities. During the second day of the three-day friendly match against the Sri Lankan team (SLC XI), a humorous incident occurred that helped lighten the mood in the Indian camp.

Ravindra Jadeja suddenly started bowling in the manner of spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Seeing this scene, head coach Gautam Gambhir could not contain his laughter. A recorded video of this funny moment showed how Jadeja copied Kuldeep's bowling characteristics, including his characteristic run-up to the ball, slightly exaggerating the action, which caused bursts of laughter in the dressing room.

Kuldeep Yadav is a left-arm wrist spinner, and his bowling technique differs significantly from Ravindra Jadeja's style, who usually uses a very short run-up when left-arm spinning. When Jadeja tried to replicate Kuldeep's bowling, the sight was quite comical. During the friendly match, both players got the opportunity to bowl long spells.

In the match, Jadeja performed successfully, taking two wickets while conceding 64 runs in 15 overs. His victims were Pasindu Suriyabanda and Ramesh Mendis. Kuldeep Yadav, bowling 18 overs, conceded 76 runs and also took two wickets, dismissing Ahana Vikramsinghe and Anjalu Bandara. Besides them, left-arm spinner Manav Sutaran also impressed by taking two wickets while conceding only 33 runs in 13 overs.

The Sri Lankan team declared its first innings with a score of 363 runs, losing 8 wickets. After bowling, Ravindra Jadeja demonstrated usefulness as a batsman. When India lost 4 wickets with a score of 174 runs, Jadeja, along with Manav Sutaran, stabilized the game. He scored 63 runs off 117 balls, using 7 fours, after which he sustained an injury and was forced to leave the field, giving other batsmen a chance to practice.

Devdutt Padikkal became the main star of the Indian batting, scoring a century, thereby strengthening his claim for the number three position in the Gaul Test match. Thanks to Padikkal's century and the contribution of the lower order players, the Indian team scored 357 runs on the second day, losing 6 wickets.

The Indian team is on a tour of Sri Lanka, where it is scheduled to play two Test matches against the host team. Before the start of the Test series, the Indian team is conducting a three-day practice match against the Sri Lankan XI at the NCC Ground in Colombo.

In this practice match, the Sri Lankan XI won the toss and decided to bat first. However, more than the match itself attracted attention was the new appearance of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.

When Mohammed Siraj took the field for the practice match, his new hairstyle immediately drew attention. Siraj gave his hair a new look, featuring subtle highlights. This look in the Test kit is a drastic departure from his previous hairstyles. Nevertheless, a change in hairstyle is not new for Siraj, as he has previously changed his appearance. His new style once again became noticeable during his visit to Sri Lanka.

Mohammed Siraj is known for his aggressive play and ability to celebrate emotionally on the field. However, for Siraj, the visit to Sri Lanka will be special not only because of his appearance; his responsibility on the field will be significantly higher. Since Jasprit Bumrah is excluded from the Test series, Siraj acts as the most experienced face in the Indian fast bowling attack. Therefore, it is expected that he will not only cope with the new ball but also regularly score points.

Mohammed Siraj has previously bowled many important spells for India in foreign conditions. There is a possibility that spinners will be more useful on Sri Lankan pitches, but the new ball and reverse swing could become important tools for fast bowlers. It should be noted that Siraj is a DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) in the Telangana police. He was appointed to this position in October 2024.

The practice match against Sri Lanka XI is also significant for determining the Indian squad. The team faces the question of selecting a second fast bowler alongside Mohammed Siraj. In Bumrah's absence, there are options such as Gunnor Bharath, Prasidh Krishna, and Akib Nabi. Thus, the coaching staff is closely monitoring the players' performances in the warm-up match.

Before the practice match, the Indian team faced concerns regarding the physical condition of captain Shubman Gill. On Thursday during training, Gill sustained an injury to the little finger of his right hand. As a precaution, he was not fielded on the first day of the practice match, and Kell Rahul took charge of the team.