Overview
- The two‑Test series against Sri Lanka begins Saturday, August 15 in Galle and India are preparing a spin‑heavy plan to exploit the island’s slow, abrasive surfaces.
- Morne Morkel told reporters on August 13 that Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar offer distinct left‑arm skills and could be used offensively to take 20 wickets in a Test.
- Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a knee problem and was replaced in the squad by Auqib Nabi which leaves Mohammed Siraj as India’s most experienced quick and increases reliance on spin.
- Squad form and the warm‑up in Colombo have intensified selection fights for the No.3 and No.6 batting slots and the third spinner, with Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan and Saransh Jain all in contention.
- The series carries WTC importance because India sit fifth in the standings and captain Shubman Gill can reach major WTC run milestones if he scores strongly across the two Tests.