Uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain, 33, has been drafted into India's Test squad to replace the injured Washington Sundar for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Key Points
- Uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain has been called up to the Indian Test squad, replacing the injured Washington Sundar for the series against Sri Lanka.
- Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan's participation in the two-Test series is contingent on receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE).
- Sundar is unlikely to recover in time for the opening Test in Galle, scheduled to begin on August 15.
- Jain previously performed well against Sri Lanka A, taking six wickets and scoring an unbeaten 70 in two games.
Uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain received his maiden India call-up as he replaced the injured Washington Sundar, while Ravindra Jadeja was recalled to India's Test squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka next month
Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan were named in the 15-member squad, but their availability are subject to fitness clearance from BCCI's Centre of Excellence.
Saransh Jain's Performance and Sundar's Injury
Sundar was ruled out of the series because of a hamstring injury suffered during the England tour recently, paving the way for Jain's maiden call up to the Indian Test squad.
Madhya Pradesh 33-year-old off-spinner Saransh Jain, who is also a handy lower middle-order batter, impressed for India A in Sri Lanka. In the second four-day match against Sri Lanka A in Galle, he took six wickets in two games and scored a 70 not out at No 7 to help India A win by 10 wickets.
Jadeja, who was rested for India's one-off Test against Afghanistan in June, is back to lead the spin attack which also includes Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar.
Fitness Concerns for Key Players
The inclusion of Bumrah, who had missed the final ODI against England at Lord's due to an an impact injury, will be subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI COE.
"Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah’s availability will be subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI COE," BCCI said in a media release on Tuesday.
Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar are other three fast bowlers in the Test squad.
Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy were not in selection contention for the Test series after they sustained hamstring injuries at different times and are currently in the middle of an intense rehabilitation programme.
Shubman Gill-led India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo, starting on August 7 ahead of the Test series.
The first Test will be at Galle from August 15-19, while the second will be played at Colombo from August 23-27.
India’s squad for Tests against Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill (captain), K L Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (w/k), Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (w/k), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Saransh Jain.
