The Indian cricket team, led by captain Shubman Gill, is finalising its preparations for the first Test against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15 at the Galle
International Cricket Stadium. Hampered by a series of injuries to key players, the team management faces a few critical selection calls to field a balanced playing XI in the spin-friendly conditions.
With regular pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and several other fast bowlers sidelined, and Washington Sundar ruled out of the opening Test, India will have to rely on their bench strength. Here is a look at the predicted playing XI for the series opener.
How can India lineup against Sri Lanka in 1st Test?
Vice-captain KL Rahul is set to return to the top of the order. Rahul scored a solid century in his last Test outing against Afghanistan and will partner with the explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal will be eager to leave his mark during his first red-ball tour of Sri Lanka, especially after a quiet outing in his previous Test appearance.
The biggest selection dilemma for the management lies at the number three spot. Sai Sudharsan was initially in line for the role but was ruled out due to a toe injury. The selectors have drafted Mumbai's Sarfaraz Khan as his replacement. However, Devdutt Padikkal presents a very strong case for inclusion. Padikkal's unbeaten 142 in the recent warm-up match against the Sri Lanka XI makes him the frontrunner to take the crucial number three position.
Rishabh Pant will take up the wicketkeeping gloves, slotting in at number five. In an interesting move, the team is expected to include Dhruv Jurel as a specialist batter at number six. Jurel has been in fine form in red-ball cricket and provides much-needed stability to the middle order.
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will return to the playing XI after being rested for the one-off Afghanistan Test, bringing crucial balance with both bat and ball at number seven.
Will India play three spinners?
Given the traditionally turning tracks at Galle, India is expected to field three spinners. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will lead the slow-bowling attack. With Washington Sundar out due to a hamstring injury, young all-rounder Manav Suthar is highly likely to retain his spot and complete the spin trio.
The pace bowling department will see Mohammed Siraj take charge as the frontline seamer in Bumrah's absence. Prasidh Krishna is expected to share the new ball with Siraj. Newcomers Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar are unlikely to be rushed into a Test debut and will probably miss out on the starting XI.
India's Predicted Playing XI for 1st Test
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
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