India Names Squad for Sri Lanka Tests: Jadeja Returns, Jain Gets Maiden Call-Up

India has named its 15-member Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka in August, bringing back all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja after a six-month absence and handing uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain a maiden call-up at age 33. The squad, led by Shubman Gill, features Jasprit Bumrah subject to fitness clearance, with Washington Sundar ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The series marks India’s return to the ICC World Test Championship after a 2-0 loss to South Africa last year.

Jadeja returns after six-month gap

Ravindra Jadeja makes his comeback to the India Test squad for the first time since January 2026, when he last played in an ODI series against New Zealand. The seasoned all-rounder was rested for India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in June. His inclusion provides valuable depth as India pursues crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship cycle, with the squad eyeing a place at next year’s WTC Final at The Oval.

Saransh Jain earns maiden call-up at 33

Uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain has earned his first Test call-up at age 33, selected to replace Washington Sundar, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jain’s selection follows consistent domestic performances: he took 188 wickets across 54 first-class matches at an average of 27.3, and scored 2,223 runs at 31.75, including 14 half-centuries and two centuries. In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, he took 30 wickets at 20.43 and scored 518 runs at 57.55. He was also part of India ‘A’ during their recent tour of Sri Lanka, giving him experience in the sub-continental conditions.

Bumrah available subject to fitness

Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the squad to spearhead India’s pace attack, though his availability remains subject to fitness clearance. Bumrah had sustained an injury, and the fitness condition reflects ongoing rehabilitation concerns within the squad. Sai Sudharsan, the incumbent No. 3 batter, is also picked subject to fitness. Notably, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is currently rehabbing at the Centre of Excellence, was not included in the squad.

AB de Villiers questions Pant’s selection timing

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers expressed surprise at Rishabh Pant’s inclusion, raising concerns about the wicketkeeper’s fitness and energy levels following the IPL. Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers said Pant “looked slightly low on confidence and energy during the IPL,” though he backed the player to respond at international level. De Villiers endorsed Jain’s maiden call-up as a reward for domestic consistency.

Final Thoughts

India’s squad balances experience with fresh talent, bringing back Jadeja while rewarding Jain’s domestic excellence. With Bumrah and Sudharsan’s fitness still uncertain, the team’s depth will be tested in a critical WTC series.

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