The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to announce India’s Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka on Monday. Ravindra Jadeja has recovered from his tennis elbow injury and is available for selection, while the selectors are awaiting final fitness updates from some key players before announcing the squad name.
India will begin the Test series on August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The second Test will start from August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. Shubman Gill’s team, currently placed fifth in the World Test Championship standings, will be hoping to win the series and boost their chances.
India’s probable test team for Sri Lanka
India are unlikely to see major changes in their batting unit. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to continue as the opening pair, while Sai Sudarshan should retain the No. 3 spot after consistent performances for India A.
Captain Shubman Gill is ready to bat at number four, while Rishabh Pant will remain the first choice as wicketkeeper. Dhruv Jurel is expected to play as the reserve keeper, while Devdutt Padikkal provides additional batting depth.
Ravindra Jadeja’s return is a big boost for India. Before the challenging tour of Sri Lanka. The experienced all-rounder is expected to lead India’s spin attack along with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
Saransh Jain has impressed during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka, taking six wickets and scoring an unbeaten 70 in Galle. His off-spin could prove valuable against Sri Lanka’s left-handed batsmen.
Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has also strengthened his claim after taking 10 wickets against Sri Lanka A. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar is expected to retain his place after an encouraging Test debut, giving India a number of quality spin options for turning conditions.
batsman: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal
wicket keeper: Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel
All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Saransh Jain, Washington Sundar (depending on fitness for the second test)
Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah (depending on fitness), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar
Ajit Agarkar and the biggest selection dilemmas faced by the selectors
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee are worried about injuries. Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Sai Sudarshan, and Ravindra Jadeja are all under medical observation, while Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are unavailable due to injuries.
Fast bowler Bumrah suffered a left knee injury during the ODI series against England and as a precaution he could not play in the final match. He will rest till July 30 before reporting to the BCCI Center of Excellence for a final fitness assessment.
Washington Sundar is also unlikely to play in the opening Test due to a hamstring injury. If this all-rounder passes the required fitness test then he can join the team for the second test.
India’s probable playing eleven for the first test against Sri Lanka
India’s batting order is expected to remain unchanged for the opening Test in Galle, while the team is likely to play with three specialist spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the fast bowling attack along with Mohammed Siraj.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Devdutt Padikkal/Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (if fit), Mohammed Siraj.