The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka national cricket team, with Shubman Gill continuing as captain and KL Rahul named vice-captain.

The squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talent but has also been affected by injuries and fitness concerns ahead of the tour.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana Miss Out

India will be without two pace-bowling options for the series.

Nitish Kumar Reddy was unavailable for selection after sustaining a thigh injury during the tour of England.

Meanwhile, Harshit Rana has also been ruled out after reportedly suffering another injury shortly after returning from a four-month rehabilitation period.

Their absence leaves India with fewer fast-bowling options heading into the Sri Lanka tour.

Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan Await Fitness Clearance

Although Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan have been included in the squad, both selections remain subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE).

According to reports, Bumrah is currently on a planned rest period and is expected to report to the Centre of Excellence after July 30 for further medical assessment before a final decision is taken on his availability.

Washington Sundar is also recovering from a hamstring injury and was not available for selection for the first Test.

Saransh Jain Receives Maiden Test Call-Up

The biggest talking point in India's squad announcement is the inclusion of Saransh Jain, who has earned his first-ever Test call-up at the age of 33.

The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder has built an impressive domestic record, scoring over 2,000 first-class runs while taking 188 wickets across 54 first-class matches.

His recent performances during the India A tour of Sri Lanka are believed to have strengthened his case for national selection.

India's Pace Attack

Despite the injury setbacks, India retains an experienced pace unit led by:

• Jasprit Bumrah* (subject to fitness clearance)
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Gurnoor Brar

The squad also includes spin options:

• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Manav Suthar
• Saransh Jain

Full India Test Squad vs Sri Lanka

• Shubman Gill (Captain)
• KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Sai Sudharsan*
• Dhruv Jurel (WK)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Manav Suthar
• Jasprit Bumrah*
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Gurnoor Brar
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Saransh Jain

*Subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule

The two-match Test series will be played as follows:

• First Test: August 15 – Galle
• Second Test: August 23 – Colombo

Before the series, India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo beginning on August 7.

Why This Matters

India head into the Sri Lanka series with several unanswered questions due to injuries and fitness concerns. The absence of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana reduces the team's pace-bowling depth, while the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan remains crucial. At the same time, Saransh Jain's inclusion reflects the selectors' willingness to reward sustained domestic excellence, particularly for conditions expected to favour spin in Sri Lanka.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is leading India in the Test series against Sri Lanka?

Shubman Gill will captain the Indian team, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain.

Why are Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana missing?

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out with a thigh injury, while Harshit Rana is unavailable after suffering another injury following his return from rehabilitation.

Is Jasprit Bumrah available for the series?

Bumrah has been selected but is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence before the series.

Who is Saransh Jain?

Saransh Jain is a 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder who has earned his maiden India Test call-up after years of consistent domestic performances.

When does the India vs Sri Lanka Test series begin?

The series begins on August 15 with the opening Test in Galle, followed by the second Test in Colombo.