Colombo, Aug 21: India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, hosted the Indian men’s cricket team at India House in Colombo on Thursday ahead of the second and final Test of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka.
Pic Credit: https://x.com/BCCI
Jha also welcomed the Sri Lankan men’s team during the gathering, highlighting the important role cricket continues to play in bringing the people of the two countries closer.
The BCCI described the occasion as a memorable evening, while Jha said he was pleased to host both teams during the ongoing ICC World Test Championship matches in Sri Lanka. He noted that their shared passion for cricket continues to strengthen the longstanding ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Team India, led by Shubman Gill, enters the second Test with a 1-0 series advantage after securing an impressive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match at Galle.
India produced several strong individual performances in the first Test. Manav Suthar registered his maiden 10-wicket haul, while Devdutt Padikkal made a major contribution with a 167-run knock in the first innings.
With the series now on the line, India will look to build on its Galle victory and complete a 2-0 series sweep. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back strongly and level the series.
The second and final Test is scheduled to begin on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The match is expected to draw considerable attention as both teams look to finish the series on a high.