This is just his way of adapting and finding the best methods to play, defend and more importantly adapt. So he has his own methods of adapting and is sticking to that," said Bahutule.

Kuldeep Yadav and KL Rahul were notable absentees; they did not attend the practice session. In Kuldeep's absence, Saransh bowled a long spell and there is a lot of chatter regarding his inclusion in the second Test, especially after Sri Lanka's decision to add left-handers to the squad.

Kuldeep YadavThe chinaman picked just one wicket in the two innings, but he largely remained and operated as the team's third spinner, with Jadeja and Suthar doing the bulk of the bowling and taking the majority of the wickets. India will have to make the tough call between prioritising experience and craft or opting for the match-up battle, which currently favours Saransh.

Kuldeep Yadav was making an effort to change trajectory as per session requirements. So one match can't change a lot of things, and it's challenging for a wrist spinner to bowl with the old ball.

Sairaj Bahutule | India spin bowling coachBahutule said they will finalise the combination after one final look at the pitch and asserted that Kuldeep continues to enjoy the backing." Kuldeep Yadav has been bowling well, played a different role in Galle and was trying to adapt.

He was making an effort to change trajectory as per session requirements. So one match can't change a lot of things, and it's challenging for a wrist spinner to bowl with the old ball.

Not much for the finger spinners, but harder for wrist spinners," added Bahutule. Apart from the third spinner, the Playing XI for Colombo is unlikely to spring a major surprise if there are no last-minute fitness concerns.

India registered a convincing win in Galle and will want to carry forward the momentum from that fixture. The batters have been in good touch and if Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal return to scoring ways, life will be difficult for the hosts, who are missing three first-choice players due to injury.

There is another net session to apply finishing touches, but considering the heat and humidity levels, it will largely remain an optional one, with players likely to opt for more rest over training. The plan will be to keep the bowlers fresh, and Morne Morkel did his bit by putting on his bowling shoes when Pant and Gill switched nets to face fast bowlers, side-armers and some net bowlers.

Just like the win in Galle, India ticked most preparatory boxes in the first hit in Colombo and seem ready for the challenge.

Hayoun, a plumber, has said he beat and pinned down the co-pilot after breaking into the cockpit and then brought the aircraft under control.