Promising off-spinner Saransh Jain earns maiden Test call-up for Sri Lanka series

Mumbai: Off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain has been rewarded with his maiden Test call-up after being named in India's 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 15.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also recalled experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to the red-ball squad for the first time since November 2025. Jadeja had been sidelined since the IPL 2026 after sustaining a tennis elbow injury.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah also returns to the Test squad following his last appearance during the home series against South Africa in November. However, the BCCI clarified that his participation will depend on receiving fitness clearance after he suffered an injury during the recent three-match ODI series in England.

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Meanwhile, Washington Sundar was unavailable for selection for the opening Test as he continues to recover from the right hamstring strain that ruled him out of the Lord's ODI, paving the way for Saransh's inclusion.

The 24-year-old all-rounder impressed during India A's recent tour of Sri Lanka, where he struck an unbeaten 70 and claimed six wickets in the second unofficial Test. In first-class cricket, Saransh has amassed 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75 and taken 188 wickets at 27.30 across 54 matches.

Led by Shubman Gill, India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo from August 7 before beginning the two-match Test series, which forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

The opening Test will be held at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, while the second Test is scheduled at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

The Sri Lanka tour marks India's first assignment in the current WTC cycle following their 2-0 home Test series defeat to South Africa in November. India currently occupy fifth place in the WTC standings, with Sri Lanka placed sixth.

India’s squad for Tests against Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel [WK], Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain