Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain has received his maiden call-up to India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, marking the biggest milestone of his domestic career. The selectors have also recalled Jasprit Bumrah and welcomed back Ravindra Jadeja, although Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan will only be available after receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI‘s Centre of Excellence.
The Test series begins on August 15 in Galle and marks India’s next assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
Saransh Jain Gets Reward
The 33-year-old off-spin bowling all-rounder has been rewarded for his consistent domestic performances and an impressive outing for India A in Sri Lanka.
During the recent four-day series, Jain scored an unbeaten 70 and claimed six wickets in the second match, catching the attention of the selectors.
His overall first-class record is equally impressive, with 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75 and 188 wickets at 27.30 in 54 matches.
His selection also reflects India’s desire to strengthen their spin options against Sri Lanka’s left-handed batters.
Sundar Injury Opens the Door
Jain’s inclusion comes after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
With Sundar unavailable, the selectors opted for Jain, whose off-spin is considered well suited to challenge Sri Lanka’s left-hand-heavy batting lineup.
Jadeja Returns, Bumrah Back
India have received a major boost with Ravindra Jadeja recovering fully from a tennis elbow injury.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has also returned to the squad after recovering from fitness concerns, although his participation remains subject to medical clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
Sai Sudharsan Awaits Clearance
Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan, who scored centuries in both India A matches in Sri Lanka, has also been named in the squad.
However, his selection depends on fitness approval.
If he is unavailable, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to take over the No. 3 batting position.
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Pace and Spin Combination
India’s pace attack includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Bumrah if declared fit.
The spin department features Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and debutant Saransh Jain.
Despite taking seven wickets on his Test debut against Afghanistan, Manav Suthar retained his place, while Harsh Dubey missed out following Jadeja’s return.
Practice Match Before Series
Before the Test series begins, India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo starting August 7.
The opening Test will be played in Galle from August 15, while the second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23 at the SSC in Colombo.
Important WTC Assignment
The Sri Lanka tour is India’s first Test series since suffering a 2-0 home defeat to South Africa in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Before that, India had drawn 2-2 in England and defeated the West Indies 2-0 at home.
India currently sit fifth in the WTC standings, with Sri Lanka placed sixth, making the series crucial for both teams’ qualification hopes.
India Test Squad
Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah (subject to fitness), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal and Saransh Jain.