New Delhi: Former India spinner Murali Kartik believes India face a defining Test series against Sri Lanka, warning that the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and the team’s ongoing transition make the upcoming contest crucial for both Gautam Gambhir and the World Test Championship campaign.
India, led by Shubman Gill, currently sit fifth in the WTC 2025-27 standings with four wins and four defeats from nine matches. The two Test series begins on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium and could play a significant role in India’s bid to reach the World Test Championship final.
Kartik said Gambhir’s immediate priority would be ensuring his strongest players are fit and available, describing Bumrah’s absence as a major setback for the bowling attack.
He also highlighted the importance of India’s spin department, with Ravindra Jadeja entering the latter stages of his career and the team searching for its next long term match winner. Kartik praised young left arm spinner Manav Suthar, whose impressive seven wicket haul on Test debut against Afghanistan showcased his potential in red ball cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, remains central to India’s plans. Kartik said the wrist spinner has already proven himself as a match winner but has not enjoyed a consistent run in the Test side. He believes the Sri Lanka series could determine whether Kuldeep emerges as India’s next leader in spin bowling.
The former spinner also pointed to the broader transition within the Indian Test team following the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with the absence of experienced batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
With valuable WTC points at stake and questions surrounding the team’s balance, Kartik believes the Sri Lanka tour will be a major test of India’s rebuilding process under Gambhir’s leadership.