India Announce Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series: Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up, Ravindra Jadeja Returns

Digital desk

India Announce Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series: Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up, Ravindra Jadeja Returns

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja returning after recovering from injury and Madhya Pradesh off-spinning all-rounder Saransh Jain receiving his maiden Test call-up. The series, beginning on August 15 in Galle, marks India's first overseas assignment in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

Shubman Gill will continue to lead the side, while KL Rahul has been named vice-captain. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retains his place in the playing group alongside Dhruv Jurel, who has been selected as the second wicketkeeping option.

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of Saransh Jain, whose consistent domestic performances and impressive showing for India A on the recent Sri Lanka tour earned him his first opportunity at the highest level. The 33-year-old all-rounder strengthened his case by scoring an unbeaten 70 and claiming six wickets during the unofficial four-day series, convincing the selectors that he could add balance to India's spin attack.

Jadeja also returns to the Test setup after missing recent international assignments because of a tennis elbow injury. His comeback provides India with an experienced left-arm spin option and additional batting depth in conditions expected to favour slow bowlers.

However, not every selection has been confirmed without conditions. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batter Sai Sudharsan have both been included in the squad, but their participation remains subject to receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence before the series begins. Bumrah is recovering from a knee issue sustained during the ODI series against England, while Sudharsan is also undergoing rehabilitation.

India have also been forced into changes because of injuries. All-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury, while Nitish Kumar Reddy has not been considered after failing to recover fully from a quadriceps injury. Their absence created an opportunity for Saransh Jain to enter the national squad.

The batting order is expected to retain its familiar structure, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to open the innings. Captain Shubman Gill is set to continue at No. 4, while Pant remains India's first-choice wicketkeeper. Devdutt Padikkal has also retained his place in the squad as an additional batting option.

India's spin department appears particularly strong for Sri Lankan conditions. Alongside Jadeja, the selectors have backed Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar, while Saransh Jain offers another off-spin option capable of contributing with the bat lower down the order. The combination gives India multiple tactical options depending on pitch conditions and player availability.

The pace attack will be led by Bumrah if declared fit, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna expected to shoulder the primary fast-bowling responsibilities. Gurnoor Brar, who impressed during recent India A assignments, has also been retained in the squad as additional seam-bowling cover.

Before the Test series begins, India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo starting August 7 to help the squad acclimatise to Sri Lankan conditions. The opening Test will be played in Galle from August 15, while the second and final Test is scheduled to begin in Colombo on August 23. Both matches carry valuable World Test Championship points as India look to improve their position early in the current cycle.

With experienced names returning, fresh faces earning opportunities and several fitness updates still to come, India's squad reflects a blend of continuity and transition as the team prepares for another crucial overseas challenge in Test cricket.

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28 Jul 2026 By Priyanshu.Jha

India Announce Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series: Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up, Ravindra Jadeja Returns

Digital desk

Shubman Gill will continue to lead the side, while KL Rahul has been named vice-captain. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retains his place in the playing group alongside Dhruv Jurel, who has been selected as the second wicketkeeping option.

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of Saransh Jain, whose consistent domestic performances and impressive showing for India A on the recent Sri Lanka tour earned him his first opportunity at the highest level. The 33-year-old all-rounder strengthened his case by scoring an unbeaten 70 and claiming six wickets during the unofficial four-day series, convincing the selectors that he could add balance to India's spin attack.

Jadeja also returns to the Test setup after missing recent international assignments because of a tennis elbow injury. His comeback provides India with an experienced left-arm spin option and additional batting depth in conditions expected to favour slow bowlers.

However, not every selection has been confirmed without conditions. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batter Sai Sudharsan have both been included in the squad, but their participation remains subject to receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence before the series begins. Bumrah is recovering from a knee issue sustained during the ODI series against England, while Sudharsan is also undergoing rehabilitation.

India have also been forced into changes because of injuries. All-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury, while Nitish Kumar Reddy has not been considered after failing to recover fully from a quadriceps injury. Their absence created an opportunity for Saransh Jain to enter the national squad.

The batting order is expected to retain its familiar structure, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to open the innings. Captain Shubman Gill is set to continue at No. 4, while Pant remains India's first-choice wicketkeeper. Devdutt Padikkal has also retained his place in the squad as an additional batting option.

India's spin department appears particularly strong for Sri Lankan conditions. Alongside Jadeja, the selectors have backed Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar, while Saransh Jain offers another off-spin option capable of contributing with the bat lower down the order. The combination gives India multiple tactical options depending on pitch conditions and player availability.

The pace attack will be led by Bumrah if declared fit, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna expected to shoulder the primary fast-bowling responsibilities. Gurnoor Brar, who impressed during recent India A assignments, has also been retained in the squad as additional seam-bowling cover.

Before the Test series begins, India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo starting August 7 to help the squad acclimatise to Sri Lankan conditions. The opening Test will be played in Galle from August 15, while the second and final Test is scheduled to begin in Colombo on August 23. Both matches carry valuable World Test Championship points as India look to improve their position early in the current cycle.

With experienced names returning, fresh faces earning opportunities and several fitness updates still to come, India's squad reflects a blend of continuity and transition as the team prepares for another crucial overseas challenge in Test cricket.

https://english.dainikjagranmpcg.com/sports/india-announce-test-squad-for-sri-lanka-series-saransh-jain/article-23827

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