India have unveiled their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with injuries forcing several key players out of contention. The selection reflects a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh talent as Team India prepares for the crucial red-ball assignment.
Shubman Gill will continue to lead the Test side, while KL Rahul has been named vice-captain. However, the squad will be without promising all-rounder Nitish Reddy and fast bowler Harshit Rana, both sidelined due to injuries.
Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana Miss Sri Lanka Tour
Nitish Reddy was unavailable for selection after sustaining a thigh injury that had already ruled him out of India’s tour of the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Harshit Rana also misses the series after suffering another injury just days after returning from a four-month rehabilitation period, dealing another blow to India’s pace resources.
Their absence has forced the selectors to rely on a combination of experienced bowlers and emerging talents.
Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan Await Fitness Clearance
While Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan have been included in the squad, both players will only be available after receiving medical clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE).
Bumrah recently returned to international cricket during the ODI series against England after being rested following the IPL. According to reports, the star pacer is currently on a scheduled break until July 30 and will undergo further fitness assessments before joining the squad.
Sai Sudharsan is also awaiting final clearance before being declared available for selection.
Washington Sundar, meanwhile, will not be available for the opening Test as he continues recovering from injury.
Gurnoor Brar Retains His Place
India have retained left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar after his impressive performances since making his international debut.
The pace department will be led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, with Brar providing additional variety alongside the experienced attack.
Behind the stumps, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel continue as India’s wicketkeeping options.
Saransh Jain Receives Maiden India Test Call-Up
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the inclusion of 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain.
After more than a decade of consistent performances in domestic cricket, Jain has finally earned his first India Test call-up.
The off-spinning all-rounder has built an impressive first-class record, scoring over 2,000 runs while taking 188 wickets across 54 matches. His recent performances during the India A tour of Sri Lanka further strengthened his selection credentials.
Jain also offers India a valuable spin-bowling option as the team manages Washington Sundar’s fitness concerns.
India’s Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Sai Sudharsan*
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Manav Suthar
- Jasprit Bumrah*
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Gurnoor Brar
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Saransh Jain
*Subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
India’s tour of Sri Lanka will begin with a four-day practice match in Colombo starting August 7.
Test Series Schedule:
- 1st Test: August 15 – Galle
- 2nd Test: August 23–27 – Colombo
With injuries affecting multiple first-choice players and several others awaiting medical clearance, India will hope to have a fully fit squad before the opening Test as they aim to begin the series on a winning note.
FAQs
1. Who will captain India in the Test series against Sri Lanka?
Shubman Gill has been appointed captain, while KL Rahul will serve as vice-captain.
2. Why is Nitish Reddy missing the Sri Lanka Test series?
Nitish Reddy has been ruled out due to a thigh injury.
3. Why is Harshit Rana unavailable for selection?
Harshit Rana suffered another injury shortly after returning from a four-month injury layoff.
4. Is Jasprit Bumrah available for the Sri Lanka Tests?
He has been named in the squad but will play only after receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
5. Why is Sai Sudharsan’s selection conditional?
Sai Sudharsan is also awaiting medical clearance before being declared fit for the series.
6. Who is the new player in India’s Test squad?
Saransh Jain, a 33-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, has received his maiden Test call-up.
7. Will Washington Sundar play the first Test?
No. Washington Sundar is unavailable for the opening Test due to fitness concerns.
8. When does the India vs Sri Lanka Test series begin?
The first Test will begin on August 15 in Galle.
9. Where will the second Test be played?
The second Test is scheduled to be held in Colombo.
10. What practice matches will India play before the series?
India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo beginning on August 7 before the Test series starts.
