Ravindra Jadeja returns, Saransh Jain gets maiden callup as India unveil squad for Sri Lanka Tests

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India have named a balanced 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with the biggest talking points being the return of experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and the maiden Test call-up for domestic stalwart Saransh Jain.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the squad on Tuesday, with Shubman Gill set to continue leading the side and KL Rahul serving as his deputy. Jadeja’s comeback comes as a major boost after the veteran recovered from the tennis elbow injury that forced him to miss action following the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Meanwhile, Saransh Jain has finally earned his long-awaited opportunity after years of consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Jadeja’s return will significantly enhance India’s bowling attack in conditions expected to favour spin. The left-arm spinner and dependable lower-order batter has been one of India’s most influential performers in Asian conditions over the past decade, making his availability a timely boost for the visitors. The all-rounder had been sidelined since suffering a tennis elbow injury during the IPL in May but has now regained full fitness. His inclusion provides India with valuable experience alongside wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar.

India will be hoping Jadeja’s ability to contribute in all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding—helps the team maintain its dominance in subcontinental Test cricket. His presence also offers captain Shubman Gill greater flexibility in team combinations, particularly on turning Sri Lankan pitches.

The squad otherwise retains the core of the group that has featured regularly in the longest format, signalling continuity as India begin another important overseas Test assignment.

The biggest surprise in the squad is the inclusion of Saransh, who has received his first-ever Test call-up at the age of 33. The off-spin all-rounder has been rewarded for his sustained excellence in domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh and impressive performances for India A. His selection comes after Washington Sundar was ruled out with a hamstring injury, creating an opportunity for another spin-bowling all-rounder.

Saransh has built a reputation as one of the most dependable performers in India’s domestic circuit, consistently contributing with both bat and ball across multiple seasons. His selection highlights the selectors’ willingness to reward long-term performances rather than focusing solely on younger prospects. If handed a debut during the series, Saransh would complete a remarkable journey marked by patience, perseverance and consistent hard work in domestic cricket.

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Fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has also returned to the squad, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance. Bumrah is expected to lead India’s pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna if declared fully fit before the series begins.

Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan has likewise been included, pending medical clearance, while Nitish Kumar Reddy misses out as he continues his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. The batting unit features Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, providing India with a blend of youth and experience.

India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Test series: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal and Saransh Jain.

*Subject to fitness clearance

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