Weakened India set for trial by spin in Sri Lanka series opener
GALLE: An inexperienced India missing several key players face Sri Lanka in Galle from Saturday in the first of two Tests with coach Gautam Gambhir under immense pressure. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, spinner Washington Sundar and batter Sai Sudharsan are all out injured for the visitors, who have eight wins and 10 defeats in 20 Tests under Gambhir. India suffered a 2-0 home defeat to South…
India's weakened team, missing key players, prepares for a crucial Test series opener against Sri Lanka in Galle from Saturday. Coach Gautam Gambhir faces immense pressure as India has suffered a 2-0 home defeat to South Africa in November and currently sits fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The visitors have eight wins and 10 defeats in 20 Tests under Gambhir's leadership.
India's spin attack, featuring veteran Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar, will face a turning pitch at the Galle International Stadium.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, boasts a formidable home team with a strong pool of spin options. Left-arm orthodox Prabath Jayasuriya, who has claimed 125 wickets in 23 Tests with 81 of those scalps at Galle, leads the spin attack. Veteran Chaminda Vaas, a former Sri Lanka speedster, believes India still possesses a powerhouse of talent and upcoming cricketers eager to perform. The second Test will take place in Colombo from August 23.
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