India will begin their two match Test series against Sri Lanka tomorrow morning in Galle. This is a very crucial series when it comes to the WTC. India are placed fifth and will need to win at least 7 out of their next nine matches which is why this series is important. The pitch is expected to offer turn as the game progresses so the visitors are almost certain to go with more spinners. India have been dealt with a few injury concerns before this tour with Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan missing.
There are a few spots which could go either way depending on the conditions that are on offer. The weather is also another crucial aspect with forecasts showing some showers throughout the game. Both sides will be hoping rain does not play a spoil sport. Sri Lanka have named a strong squad despite the absence of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis due to injuries.
India Predicted Playing XI for First Sri Lanka Test
The biggest positive for India will be the return of Shubman Gill who is fit enough to lead the side. The batting lineup looks fairly set while Siraj and Prasidh are expected to lead the pace attack. Rishabh Pant will be the wicket-keeper.
Here's our predicted playing XI for first Sri Lanka Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/ Auqib Nabi
Openers – Yashasvi Jaiswal & KL Rahul
Jaiswal and Rahul remain the settled opening pair. Jaiswal has had a strong start to his Test career over the last couple of years. In 29 Test matches so far he has scored around 2535 runs at an average of 48.8 with multiple big scores on turning tracks. He is an aggressive left-hand batter and in the warm-up match he scored 61 runs. KL Rahul brings the experience. He has played more than 60 Tests for India and looked comfortable in the practice game scoring 40 runs.
Middle Order – Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel
Padikkal is set to bat at No. 3 after Sudharsan’s injury. He made an unbeaten 142 in the warm-up and has looked in good touch. His first-class numbers are strong, and the left-hander could take on Sri Lanka’s spinners.
Indian captain Shubman Gill will slot at No. 4, the position he prefers. In 41 Test matches he has already crossed 2968 runs at an average of more than 40. Since taking over as captain his numbers have been even better.
Pant is expected at No. 5 as the main keeper. In 50 Tests he averages 44 with several match winning knocks. His wicket-keeping will be key on these tracks.
The Number six slot has a few contenders but Dhruv Jurel looks set to get the chance. He has shown promise with the bat and management will trust him for the depth he provides.
All-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja & Manav Suthar
Jadeja will come in at Number 7 and provide balance. In 89 Tests he has picked up 348 wickets and also scored 4095 runs with the bat. He scored 63 (retired) and took wickets in the warm-up match.
Manav Suthar is the likely second specialist spinner. The left-armer has impressed in his Test debut against Afghanistan where he picked up seven wickets on debut.
Bowlers – Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Auqib Nabi
Kuldeep will be the main spinner for India. In 18 Tests he has 79 wickets at an average of 27 and remains a genuine wicket-taking option once the pitch starts to crumble.
Siraj leads the pace attack. In 40 Tests he has taken close 140 wickets at an average just under 30. He has been India’s most consistent pacer in recent series.
Prasidh Krishna is the probable second seamer, despite Gurnoor Brar showing in the practice game. Both offer height and bounce and Prasidh is likely to retain his spot. He has picked up 25 wickets in seven Test matches. Auqib Nabi is another option and he could be handed a debut if India decides to go with three pacers or if they feel conditions will help pacers.
