Jasprit Bumrah & Ravindra Jadeja set to play in the IND vs SL Test series. Here’s the update

Following a disappointing tour of the United Kingdom, Team India has arrived in Zimbabwe for a T20I series. After that series, the focus will shift to the longest format of the game. Indian fans are already looking ahead to the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting on August 15. Reports suggest that the BCCI could announce the Test squad this week, potentially marking the return of senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah could replace Prasidh Krishna and lead the pace duo featuring Mohammed Siraj. Both Bumrah & Jadeja had been rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan at Mullanpur in June. They last played in the 'white jersey' during the two-match Test series against South Africa last year, which India lost 0-2.

Team India currently sits in fifth place on the WTC points table. The team has played three series so far, resulting in one win (vs. West Indies), one loss (vs. South Africa), and one draw (vs. England). After the Sri Lanka series, India is scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year and will host the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in March next year.

With nine Test matches remaining, reports indicate that India needs to win at least seven of them to secure a spot in the final scheduled for June 2027. Consequently, winning the series against Sri Lanka is crucial; otherwise, the Indian team risks missing out on qualification for the WTC final for the second consecutive time.

It remains to be seen which players the selectors will include in the squad. Since conditions in Sri Lanka are considered favourable for spinners, the team management might focus on experienced spin options, such as Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. Washington is currently struggling with an injury, and it will be quite interesting to see whether or not he is included in the Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour. Youngster Manav Suthar could retain his place as India targets WTC Final 2027 qualification. Suthar took 7 wickets against Afghanistan in the one-off test. 

The India vs Sri Lanka 2-match test series will begin on August 15. The series opener will be played at Galle International Stadium, Galle, from August 15 to 19. While the second test will be held at Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo, from August 23 to 27.