Ravindra Jadeja Returns as India Announce Squad for SL Test Series

India have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka on July 28, with veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja returning to the squad. After fully recovering from a tennis elbow injury sustained during the IPL in May, Jadeja is finally back to strengthen India’s spin attack.

The men’s senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has announced India’s 15-member squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting in Galle on August 15. Shubman Gill will lead India, while KL Rahul will serve as vice-captain. Rahul was handed the vice-captaincy ahead of the Afghanistan Test, and took over the role from Rishabh Pant.

India’s Batting Line-Up and Pace Options

Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are likely to open the batting, while Sai Sudarshan, subject to fitness, and Devdutt Padikkal are the other top-order options. Gill will bat in the middle order alongside wicketkeeper Pant and Dhruv Jurel, who have been selected as backup keepers.

Fitness is a concern for India, with the inclusion of both Sai Sudarshan and Jasprit Bumrah subject to BCCI CoE approval. Apart from that, the team is largely as expected, with the core batting group intact. Mohammed Siraj, Prasad Krishna, Bumrah and Gurnoor Brar form the pace attack, with Brar retaining his place after an impressive performance against Sri Lanka A.

Ravindra Jadeja has returned to the Test squad after missing the Afghanistan match. Returning from an injury break, he will look to make a strong comeback and show his worth in a format where he has been one of India’s leading performers for the last decade.

Spin Department and Saransh Jain’s First Call-Up

The spin attack is expected to be led by Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, which also includes Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain. Suthar caught the eye against Afghanistan, while Jain was selected as a specialist off-spinner in Sundar’s absence.

The 33-year-old has played 54 first-class matches and has caught the eye of the selectors. He was given a chance with India A during the recent tour of Sri Lanka, where he took six wickets and scored an unbeaten 70 in the final match.

Washington Sundar has been dropped from the series, while Manav Suthar retains his place after an impressive performance in the Afghanistan match. Saransh Jain has received his first India call-up and Kuldeep will join Kuldeep Yadav in the spin group after recently playing in a domestic competition in England.

Also Read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Breaks Sachin’s Record, Wins Player of the Series

Bumrah and Sudharsan Await Fitness Clearance

Despite his stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy season, Oqib Nabi has been left out once again. Among the fast bowlers, India have opted for Jasprit Bumrah, whose partnership depends on his fitness, as well as players like Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar, who recently made a strong impression for India A in Sri Lanka.

India is taking a cautious approach to fitness, meaning Sudarshan and Bumrah will only play if they meet the required fitness standards at the CoE. Bumrah is expected to be ready for the first Test in Galle, but the team management may avoid rushing him into the playing XI before he is fully fit despite some concerns over his fitness.

India will tour Sri Lanka in the first week of August and then prepare for a four-day warm-up match in Colombo, which is scheduled to start on August 7.

India’s Squad for the Test Series against Sri Lanka:

Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (WK),Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

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