3 India players who could make the biggest impact in Sri Lanka

India are set to take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series starting on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. The series comes at a crucial stage of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, with India needing to win seven of their remaining nine Tests to strengthen their chances of reaching the final.

The visitors have made a few changes to their squad, including giving opportunities to some recent debutants as they continue to build a balanced side for the future. However, a tour of Sri Lanka presents a unique challenge, with spin-friendly conditions expected to test both batters and bowlers. India's experienced campaigners, along with a few emerging stars, will have an important role to play if the team is to return home with a series victory.

Rishabh Pant is expected to be India's biggest match-winner in the series. The wicketkeeper-batter has built a reputation for delivering game-changing performances in Test cricket, especially in challenging overseas conditions. While Sri Lankan pitches are known to assist spin, Pant's aggressive approach against slow bowlers makes him one of India's most dangerous batters.

The left-hander is comfortable using his feet against spinners and is equally capable of playing conventional cricket when the situation demands. His ability to rotate the strike, disrupt a bowler's rhythm, and clear the boundary with ease makes him a difficult batter to contain. Pant has scored 3,557 runs in 50 Test matches at an impressive average of 43.37, including eight centuries and 19 half-centuries. If he settles at the crease, he can completely shift the momentum in India's favour and put Sri Lanka's spin attack under immense pressure.