The permutations and combinations have started rolling as the Indian team management finalises the playing XI for the Test series opener against Sri Lanka, starting Saturday. Sarfaraz Khan has returned to the squad, but is unlikely to feature in place of the injured B Sai Sudharsan . As former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked his India XI for the first Test at Galle, he made it clear that Dhruv Jurel is his preferred batter for the No. However, Ashwin also pulled a big surprise as he left out veteran pacer Prasidh Krishna from the team.
6 role, over Sarfaraz.
There isn’t even a question over the Indian team’s opening combination, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul set for the top two spots in the XI. Devdutt Padikkal is expected to take the No. Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar are set to be the two spin-bowling all-rounders in the team for Ashwin, with Kuldeep Yadav the specialist spinner. Ashwin’s picks suggest that India will go into the match with three left-arm spinners.
3 role, in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan, with skipper Shubman Gill following it at the No. 4 spot.
India are expected to play both wicket-keeper batters in the team, with Rishabh Pant occupying the No. Ashwin doesn’t think he will make the cut, over Jurel While Sarfaraz’s skills in subcontinent conditions can’t be overlooked. 5 spot, followed by Jurel at No. 6.
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