The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja making a much-awaited return to the national side.
Jadeja will be back in India’s Test setup for the first time since January 2026, when he last represented the country in an ODI against New Zealand. The experienced all-rounder had been sidelined after suffering a tennis elbow injury in May and now returns as a significant boost to India’s squad ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) fixtures.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and promising top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan have also been included in the squad. However, both players’ participation remains subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE).
Shubman Gill will continue to lead the side, with senior batter KL Rahul appointed as vice-captain. Rahul is expected to play a crucial role in India’s batting unit alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal, who has been named as an additional batting option.
The spin department will be spearheaded by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, with Manav Suthar providing another left-arm spin option. India’s pace attack includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar, while Bumrah’s availability will depend on his final fitness assessment.
Meanwhile, spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar was unavailable for selection for the opening Test after sustaining an injury during India’s recently concluded white-ball tour of England.
Gold 101.3FM, UAE’s No. 1 radio station, continues to bring listeners the latest updates from the world of cricket, including India’s preparations for the crucial Sri Lanka Test series and all major developments surrounding the national team.
The two-match Test series forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to August 19, while the second Test is scheduled at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to August 27.
India head into the series looking to revive their fortunes in the longest format after a difficult run that saw them lose Test series against New Zealand at home, South Africa at home and Australia away. The Sri Lanka tour presents an opportunity for Gill’s side to regain momentum and climb the World Test Championship standings.
History also favours India in Sri Lanka. The visitors won their previous two Test series in the island nation, securing a 2-1 victory in 2015 before completing a dominant 3-0 whitewash in 2017.
According to the latest ICC World Test Championship standings, India currently occupy fifth place, while Sri Lanka are placed sixth, adding further significance to the upcoming series.
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), B Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal and Saransh Jain.
B Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah will be available subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
