India announces squad for Test series against Sri Lanka
India’s Test Squad Selection
The Men’s Selection Committee has announced India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The squad features a blend of experienced players and new faces, with some selections subject to fitness clearances. The series is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle.
Shubman Gill will lead the team as captain, with KL Rahul named as vice-captain. The batting lineup includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), and Devdutt Padikkal. Sai Sudharsan has also been included, though his availability is contingent on fitness clearance.
The selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, has recalled Ravindra Jadeja to the squad. Jadeja was rested for the recent Afghanistan Test. Additionally, off-spinner Saransh Jain has received his first call-up to the national side. Washington Sundar was not available for selection for the first Test.
Key Player Returns and Fitness Concerns
Ravindra Jadeja’s return is a notable inclusion, as he is expected to play a crucial role in the spin department. He will be joined by Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and the debutant Saransh Jain. Suthar previously impressed during the series against Afghanistan, while Jain’s selection as a specialist off-spinner comes in the absence of Sundar.
Concerns regarding player fitness persist, particularly for Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah. Both players’ participation in the series is dependent on receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI CoE. Reports indicate that the selectors are cautious about taking any fitness-related risks for the series. While Bumrah is understood to be fit for the opening Test, the team management will not rush any player back into the playing XI if there is any doubt about their full fitness.
Saransh Jain, who is 33 years old, has played 54 First-Class matches. He was previously on the selectors’ radar and was given an opportunity with India A during a recent tour of Sri Lanka. During that tour, he contributed with six wickets and an unbeaten 70 runs in the final game.
Preparation and Schedule
The seam attack for the series will feature Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Jasprit Bumrah, subject to his fitness. Brar retained his spot in the squad following a strong performance against Sri Lanka A. The core batting group has largely been retained, indicating continuity in the team’s strategy.
Before the official start of the Test series, the Indian team is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in the first week of August. They will participate in a four-day practice match in Colombo, which is scheduled to commence on August 7. This warm-up fixture will provide the team with an opportunity to acclimatize and prepare for the main series.
The full squad for the Tests against Sri Lanka includes:
- Shubman Gill [C]
- KL Rahul [VC]
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant [WK]
- Sai Sudharsan*
- Dhruv Jurel [WK]
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Manav Suthar
- Jasprit Bumrah*
- Mohd. Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Gurnoor Brar
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Saransh Jain
The availability of Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI CoE.
Source: bcci.tv
Priya Menon 