Key takeaways from India’s Test squad against Sri Lanka 

India unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka. 

Led by Shubman Gill, the team will return to action in the ongoing WTC cycle for the first time since their 2-0 loss at the hands of South Africa at home last year. 

India squad: Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain

*Bumrah and Sudarshan's availability is subject to fitness.

We list a few major takeaways from the squad announced:

New spin outlet

Right-arm off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain has received a maiden call-up to the Test squad, adding another spin bowling outlet to the ranks in the sub-continental conditions.

Jain’s inclusion comes after a hamstring injury sidelines Washington Sundar from the squad. The 33-year-old has had impressive returns in first-class cricket, boasting 188 wickets from 54 outings at an average of 27.3. 

With the bat, Jain has amassed 2223 runs at an average of 31.75, this includes 14 half-centuries and two centuries. 

He was also part of the India A squad during their recent tour of Sri Lanka, giving him essential experience under the conditions.

All-round star returns

Making a return to the India squad for the first time since January 2026 is seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. 

Jadeja had last been part of India’s ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand back in January 2026.

The veteran all-rounder hadn’t featured in India’s last Test outing against Afghanistan back in June. With India eyeing crucial points in their hopes of securing a place at next year's WTC Final at The Oval, Jadeja’s inclusion provides valuable depth to their squad.

Key pacer’s status unconfirmed

While Jasprit Bumrah has been added to the squad, but his availability will be subject to fitness. The pace spearhead had sustained a blow to his left knee during the ODI series against England. 

A statement from the BCCI confirmed that Bumrah, alongside Sai Sudharsan, will only feature if they’re cleared fit to feature in the two-Test series. 

Bumrah had also featured in a Test match for India back in 2025 during the home series against South Africa.

India’s second-leading wicket-taker in WTC history will be hoping to get back to his very best to help them rise up in the Standings, where they currently occupy the fifth spot.

Bumrah has enjoyed success for India in the white-ball format this year, having played a big role in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph.

Faith in new guard

A year after Shubman Gill took over as the captain in the longest format, and Rohit Sharma as well as Virat Kohli calling it a day in the longest format, India have continued to show their confidence in new faces.

Manav Suthar, who was the Player of the Match in his Test debut for India against Afghanistan in June, retains his place in the squad for the WTC series.

Suthar snapped seven wickets, which included a spectacular six-wicket haul. His presence will offer another handy spin bowling resource to India.

Meanwhile, pacer Gurnoor Brar, who also earned his maiden call-up for the Afghanistan Test, is in the running for a debut in the longest format. 

Brar accompanies the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah, if fit, in a blend of youth and experience for the pace-bowling unit.

India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the first of two Tests starting August 15 in Galle.

India and Sri Lanka are currently fifth and sixth, respectively, in the WTC Standings, with Australia and New Zealand occupying the top two spots. 

Series schedule:

First Test, 15-19 August, Galle

Second Test, 23-27 August, Colombo