Team India probable playing 11: India have started their Sri Lanka tour on a positive note. They defeated Sri Lanka Cricket XI by 6 wickets in 3-day practice match in Colombo.
Now, the focus has shifted to the 1st Test in Galle, starting on August 15. The practice match gave India some important answers. But it also created a few tough selection decisions for captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir.
Shubman Gill’s return a big relief
The biggest positive for India is the return of Shubman Gill. Gill had injured his right ring finger during practice. He missed the first day of the warm-up match as a precaution.
Gill returned on the final day and batted. His return is a major boost for India because he is both the captain and one of the team’s key batters.
India win the practice match
Sri Lanka Cricket XI scored 363/8 in their first innings. India replied with 357/6. Sri Lanka XI then declared their second innings at 200/6.
India chased the target and finished on 214/4. India won the practice match by 6 wickets. The result was less important than the match practice. India used the game to test different players and combinations.
Devdutt Padikkal strengthens his no.3 claim
Devdutt Padikkal was one of India’s biggest positives. The left-handed batter scored a century in the warm-up match. His performance has strengthened his case for the No.3 position.
Sai Sudharsan was expected to compete for that spot but has been ruled out because of injury. Padikkal now has a strong chance to start the first Test.
Rishabh Pant or Dhruv Jurel?
India also have an interesting battle for the wicketkeeper’s spot. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are both in the squad. Pant has much more Test experience.
If he is fully fit, he is likely to be the first choice. Jurel, however, has also shown that he can perform under pressure. The final decision will depend on India’s preferred combination.
India could go with several spinners
Spin could play a major role in Galle. India have plenty of options. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are the most experienced spinners.
Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain also got useful game time in the practice match. India could consider playing three spinners. But playing too many spinners could leave the team short of pace options.
Gurnoor Brar creates another problem
Gurnoor Brar has given the team management another selection option. He has impressed with his bowling recently. He also showed his batting ability in the practice match.
That could put pressure on Prasidh Krishna for a place in the playing XI. Mohammed Siraj is likely to lead the pace attack. The second pace spot could become a close contest.
Will Auqib Nabi have to wait?
Auqib Nabi was added to India’s squad after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out. He has a strong domestic record. However, he has never played a Test for India.
The team management may prefer more experienced options for the first Test. That could mean Nabi has to wait for his debut.
Sarfaraz Khan may also miss out
Sarfaraz Khan has returned to the Test squad after Sai Sudharsan’s injury. But his selection in the squad does not guarantee a place in the XI.
Padikkal’s century has made the competition even tougher. Sarfaraz could therefore have to wait for his opportunity.
Probable India playing XI for Galle
Based on the warm-up match and the available players, India’s probable XI could be:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
Is 4 spinners too many?
The biggest question about this combination is the number of spinners. Jadeja, Suthar, Kuldeep and Saransh would give India four spin options.
That could work if the pitch offers a lot of turn. But India would then have only two specialist fast bowlers. If the pitch offers pace or swing, India may choose another seamer instead.
Gurnoor could change the combination
Gurnoor’s recent performances could force India to rethink the balance. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an interesting option.
If the Galle pitch offers help to fast bowlers, Gurnoor could come into the XI. That could mean one of the spinners misses out.