India named a 15-member Test squad led by Shubman Gill for the two-match series against Sri Lanka in August 2026. Ravindra Jadeja returns to the setup, while Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain earns a maiden call-up. Washington Sundar misses the first Test due to injury, and Jasprit Bumrah faces fitness clearances.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming red-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Led by captain Shubman Gill with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain, the touring party blends experienced returnees with fresh spin options as the squad prepares for turning subcontinent surfaces.
Squad Composition: Jadeja Returns and Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up
The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, brought back veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja alongside Jasprit Bumrah after both players sat out the June series against Afghanistan. The spin department features Jadeja alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar, bolstering slow-bowling depth for conditions expected to favor spinners in Sri Lanka.
As expected, all-rounder Washington Sundar has not been included in the squad after being ruled out of the first Test due to injury. His absence has opened the door for other spin-bowling options as India prepares for conditions expected to assist slow bowlers in Sri Lanka. Jadeja’s return is expected to strengthen the bowling attack as captain Shubman Gill looks to guide India back into contention for a place in the ICC World Test Championship final.
Madhya Pradesh’s off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain has earned a maiden Test call-up.
Shubman Gill (Captain)
KL Rahul (Vice-captain)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
Sai Sudharsan*
Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
Ravindra Jadeja
Kuldeep Yadav
Manav Suthar
Jasprit Bumrah*
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Gurnoor Brar
Devdutt Padikkal
Saransh Jain
*Subject to fitness clearance.
Fitness Assessments and Washington Sundar’s Absence
Fitness concerns shape several selection choices ahead of the opening fixture. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batter Sai Sudharsan have both been named in the squad. However, their participation in the series will depend on their fitness. The duo is expected to undergo fitness assessments before the team management takes a final call on their availability for the matches. The players are on their way to recovery from injuries and the team management will hope that the two star players regain full fitness ahead of the crucial subcontinent series.
All-rounder Washington Sundar was not available for selection for the first Test in Galle due to injury, leaving a vacancy in the squad.
Tour Schedule and ICC World Test Championship Stakes
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sportstar on Saturday regarding the selection process that they would convene a virtual meeting in the next couple of days to pick the squad. The squad announcement was subsequently issued by BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia following the recommendations of the Men’s Selection Committee.
The team is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka well in advance to acclimatise to the conditions. The BCCI also confirmed in its media advisory that the Indian team will play a four-day practice match in Colombo from August 7 ahead of the Test series.
| Match | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 15–19 | Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle |
| 2nd Test | August 23–27 | Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground, Colombo |
The matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with both India and Sri Lanka looking to strengthen their position in the standings as they chase a place in the WTC Final. Even as the selectors focus on the red-ball assignment, the BCCI is preparing to review the national team’s recent white-ball performances once the T20I squad returns from Zimbabwe.
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