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 on a few key players before naming the squad.
India will begin the Test series on August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The second Test will begin on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Shubman Gill's side, which is currently at fifth in the World Test Championship standings, will be hoping to clinch the series and boost their chances.
India's Predicted Test Squad for Sri Lanka
India's batting unit is unlikely to see major changes. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to continue as the opening pair, while Sai Sudharsan should retain the No. 3 position after consistent performances for India A.
Captain Shubman Gill is set to bat at No. 4, with Rishabh Pant continuing as the first-choice wicketkeeper. Dhruv Jurel is expected to travel as the reserve keeper, while Devdutt Padikkal offers additional batting depth.
Ravindra Jadeja's return is a major boost for India ahead of a challenging tour of Sri Lanka. The experienced all-rounder is expected to lead India's spin attack alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
Saransh Jain has impressed during the India A tour of Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets and scoring an unbeaten 70 in Galle. His off-spin could prove valuable against Sri Lanka's left-handed batters.
Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has also strengthened his case 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 several quality spin options for turning conditions.
Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Saransh Jain, Washington Sundar (subject to fitness for the second Test)
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah (subject to fitness), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar
Biggest Selection Dilemmas Facing Ajit Agarkar and the Selectors
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee are facing injury concerns. Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Sai Sudharsan, and Ravindra Jadeja are all under medical observation, while Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are unavailable because of injuries.
Fast bowler Bumrah suffered an impact injury to his left knee during the ODI series against England and missed the final match as a precaution. He will rest until July 30 before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for a final fitness assessment.
Washington Sundar is also unlikely to feature in the opening Test after suffering a hamstring injury. The all-rounder could join the squad for the second Test if he clears the required fitness tests.
Predicted India Playing XI 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 could play three specialist spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, comprising Mohammed Siraj.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Devdutt Padikkal/Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (if fit), Mohammed Siraj
