SL vs IND 1st Test: 3 problems exposed despite India's win

India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle, which concluded on Wednesday, August 19. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second Test scheduled in Colombo from Sunday.

Despite the positive result, the match brought three clear concerns to the surface. Youngsters stepped up admirably, but some experienced players and a key bowler left questions unanswered heading into the next game.

Kuldeep Yadav managed just one wicket across 25 overs in the match, a return that stood out given how spin-friendly the Galle surface was. The pitch turned considerably more from the third day onwards, as Devdutt Padikkal noted in his post-match comments, making conditions well-suited to wrist spin.

In Sri Lanka's fourth innings, Kuldeep was taken off after just one over, with Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja continuing the bowling attack. With the second Test in Colombo approaching, India will need Kuldeep to rediscover his effectiveness if they are to maintain pressure with the ball.