Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, spinner Washington Sundar and batter Sai Sudharsan are all out injured for the visitors, who have eight wins and 10 defeats in 20 Tests under Gambhir. India suffered a 2-0 home defeat to South Africa in November and are fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with their opponents sixth. Shubman Gill’s side have handed maiden call-ups to spinner Saransh Jain and fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who has impressed in domestic cricket with 60 wickets in the season.
An inexperienced India missing several key players face Sri Lanka in Galle from Saturday in the first of two Tests with coach Gautam Gambhir under immense pressure.
An inexperienced India missing several key players face Sri Lanka in Galle from Saturday in the first of two Tests with coach Gautam Gambhir under immense pressure.
“The two-match series in Sri Lanka won’t be easy as Sri Lanka at home are a formidable team,” former captain Sunil Gavaskar wrote in the magazine Sportstar. Former Sri Lanka speedster Chaminda Vaas said they should still have more than enough. They have so many good upcoming cricketers eager to perform and waiting for their opportunities,” he said.
“Winning both these Tests would be a good start to the new Test season, as well as give the team the impetus it needs to qualify for the WTC final. “India still have a powerhouse of talent. Sri Lanka have packed their squad with spin options, with left-arm orthodox Prabath Jayasuriya leading the charge. Sri Lanka too have injury concerns and will be without opening batter Pathum Nissanka and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.
