The Indian women’s cricket team’s training session at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium faced an unplanned interruption on Friday. A “Garandhiya,” the local name for a common rat snake, entered the playing area while the squad was switching from the central pitch to the nets. The reptile’s presence forced players and support staff to temporarily halt preparations ahead of their much-anticipated clash against Pakistan. The grey-brown snake was spotted moving along the drainage channels and later towards the seating stands. Despite the sudden sighting, no panic unfolded. Witnesses noted that the players appeared more curious than alarmed. Ground officials immediately identified the visitor as a harmless species. One official clarified, “It’s not venomous. It doesn’t bite. It’s a Garandhiya, just looking for rats." This was not the first such occurrence at Premadasa. Similar snake appearances have taken place during Lanka Premier League matches and even a Sri Lanka-Bangladesh ODI earlier this year, making it an oddly recurring spectacle at the venue. Read also: Smriti Mandhana Eyes Big WODI Milestone Against Pakistan in WC 2025 India eye Pakistan test after strong opener India’s Women in Blue now turn their focus to Sunday’s encounter against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The side began their campaign with a strong win over Sri Lanka in Guwahati despite stumbling to 124/6 at one stage. Deepti Sharma (53) and Amanjot Kaur (57) stitched a crucial 103-run partnership that lifted the team to safety. Deepti also starred with the ball, taking three wickets in the rain-shortened game. Harmanpreet said, “It was not an easy game. We know in ICC tournaments, every game is important and is going to be high-pressure. In middle overs, batters managed well, despite losing wickets." She praised the resilience of her middle order and highlighted Harleen Deol’s 48 as crucial. India now head into the Pakistan clash with a win behind them, despite Friday’s reptilian disturbance.