Ravindra Jadeja becomes first Indian to play 50 World Test Championship matches

Star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has become the first Indian cricketer to appear in 50 World Test Championship matches. The Jamnagar-born all-rounder, now 37, reached the landmark when he walked out for India in the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on August 23, 2026.

The milestone puts Jadeja clear of every other Indian player in terms of WTC appearances, reflecting his sustained presence in the Test side across multiple championship cycles. No other Indian cricketer has featured in as many matches since the introduction of the WTC format.

The second Test is the final fixture of a two-match series. India entered the match leading 1-0 after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle. Shubman Gill's side won the toss and chose to bat first in Colombo.

Jadeja brings a substantial all-round record to his 50th WTC appearance. Across his legendary Test career, he has accumulated 4117 runs with the bat, with a highest score of 175* and six centuries. With the ball, he has claimed 352 wickets, his best figures being 7/42, and he has held 49 catches in the field.

These numbers clearly suggest why he has remained a consistent selection for India in the longest format. His capacity to contribute meaningfully with bat, ball and in the field has made him difficult to leave out across successive WTC cycles.

India made one change to the XI that won in Galle. Saransh Jain was handed his Test debut, coming into the side after Kuldeep Yadav was ruled out with an infection. In a notable moment before play, Jadeja presented Jain with his India debut cap during the team huddle.

Saransh Jain debuts as Kuldeep Yadav misses 2nd Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando.