India is set to begin its two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on Saturday, August 15. The first Test will be played at the Galle Stadium.
The Test match in Sri Lanka will be a battle for Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir on many fronts. One of them will be to find the right bowling combination in the dusty bowls of Sri Lanka.
With the absence of Bumrah now, the biggest questions ahead of the first test in Galle will be the fast-bowling unit that is available. For Gambhir, it is the problem of plenty, with Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Auqib Nabi all available for selection.
Will India Drop Mohammed Siraj From IND vs SL 1st Test?
Speaking about India’s bowling options at the pre-match press conference, captain Shubman Gill was full of praise for Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna, but notably did not mention Mohammed Siraj.
Gill backed Suthar to develop into a quality No. 8, highlighting his bowling ability and suggesting that the youngster could thrive with the right backing and confidence. He was equally impressed with Brar and Krishna, revealing that the latter was bowling better than he had seen from him before.
“Manav Suthar has potential to be a good number 8. He is a very good bowler and with backing and confidence, he will do really well here. Both Prasidh and Gurnoor have been very good. Prasidh [is] bowling the best I have seen. Tough decision,” Gill said ahead of the first IND vs SL Test.
Gill’s comments have inevitably sparked speculation over Mohammed Siraj’s place in India’s playing XI. If India opt for three spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar could form the team’s primary spin attack, leaving just two spots for specialist pacers.
Gurnoor Brar appears to have strengthened his case with his disciplined bowling, while Gill’s praise suggests that Prasidh Krishna is also firmly in contention. With both pacers making a strong push for selection, Siraj could find himself facing a serious battle to retain his place in the XI.
IND vs SL: How Will Bowling Lineup Shape Up Without Siraj?
If India opt to leave Mohammed Siraj out, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna could lead the pace attack, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar forming the spin unit. This combination would offer India plenty of variety and give them multiple ways to put pressure on Sri Lanka in Galle.
That said, the final selection remains a tough decision. Gill’s strong praise for Gurnoor and Prasidh has undoubtedly put Siraj’s place under greater scrutiny, although his experience could still give him the edge when India finalise their playing XI.