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Cricket News Updated Jul 28, 2026

Shubman Gill to Lead India in Sri Lanka Tests, Bumrah Fitness Key

Shubman Gill has been named captain of the Indian Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah is in the squad but his availability depends on fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Washington Sundar will miss the first Test due to a hamstring injury, replaced by debutant Saransh Jain. Ravindra Jadeja returns from injury to bolster the spin attack as India currently sits fifth in the World Test Championship standings.

Gill to captain India in Sri Lanka Tests, Bumrah's availability subject to fitness

Mumbai, July 28

The Men's Selection Committee of the BCCI has announced India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with Shubman Gill named captain and KL Rahul appointed vice-captain.

Ahead of the Test series, India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo, beginning August 7.

The two-match Test series will begin with the first Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS) from August 15 to 19, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

Lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the squad, though his availability will depend on fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE). Similarly, B Sai Sudharsan's participation will also be subject to clearance from the COE.

Spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar will miss the first Test due to a hamstring injury, with Saransh Jain included in the squad as his replacement, who recieved his maiden call-up to the Test side.

Meanwhile, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja returns after recovering from a tennis elbow injury sustained during the 2026 Indian Premier League in May. His comeback will strengthen India's spin attack in the subcontinental conditions.

The squad also includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Devdutt Padikkal.

The two-match Test series will be part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The Asian giants are currently fifth in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with four wins, four losses and one draw from nine matches. Led by Shubman Gill, India have 52 points and a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.15.

India's squad for Tests against Sri Lanka:

Shubman Gill [C], KL Rahul [VC], Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant [WK], Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel [WK], Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

Finally giving young players a chance! Gill, Jaiswal, and Pant together will be exciting. And Jadeja returning is like an early Diwali gift 🎉. But why only two Tests? Need more bilateral series in WTC cycle.

Rajesh Q

Good squad but where is Ishan Kishan? He was in good form in domestic cricket. Also, Washington Sundar missing due to injury is disappointing - he bowls well in Sri Lanka conditions. Hope Saransh Jain performs well on debut.

Michael C

As someone who follows Indian cricket closely, I'm impressed by the depth. Gill captaining at home conditions is perfect for his development. The pace attack with Siraj, Prasidh, and Gurnoor looks promising too. Exciting times ahead!

Neha E

Happy to see KL Rahul as VC. He deserves it after his consistent performances. But rotation policy needs to be clearer - resting senior players is good but shouldn't affect team balance. #JustSaying

James A

Interesting squad selection. Gill as captain shows BCCI's faith in youth. But I feel we're missing an experienced spinner like Ashwin or Axar for Sri Lankan conditions. Kuldeep and Jadeja are good but need backup options.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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