Team India has included Saransh Jain in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on August 23, 2026. This marks the conclusion of a two-match Test series between the two nations.
India secured a 165-run victory in the first Test at Galle, establishing a 1-0 series lead. The Sri Lankan campaign represents India’s first Test series in the World Test Championship cycle since a 2-0 home whitewash against South Africa in November. Entering the second Test, India held the fifth position in the WTC standings, while Sri Lanka occupied sixth.
Reasons for Kuldeep Yadav’s Absence
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) disclosed that Kuldeep Yadav had not regained full health following a viral infection, rendering him unavailable for selection. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed this at the toss, opting to bat first with an adjusted lineup.
The BCCI’s official statement stated:
“Mr. Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was not selected for the Playing XI in the second Test against Sri Lanka. However, he may participate as a concussion substitute if needed.”
Kuldeep, a left-arm wrist-spinner, performed poorly in the first Test at Galle. He bowled 25 overs, conceded 103 runs, and took only one wicket across both innings—scoring one in the first innings and none in the second. In contrast, debutant Manav Suthar claimed a 10-wicket haul, while Ravindra Jadeja captured four wickets.
Saransh Jain’s Debut
Saransh Jain received his India Test cap from Ravindra Jadeja prior to the match. The 33-year-old right-arm off-spinner and left-handed batsman hails from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Jain made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy on December 21, 2014. Over 54 first-class matches, he has taken 188 wickets at an average of 27.30, alongside 2,223 runs featuring two centuries and 14 half-centuries.
In addition to representing Madhya Pradesh, Jain has played for Central Zone, Rest of India, and India A. His standout performances during the recent India A tour to Sri Lanka—where he remained not out for 70 and captured six wickets in the second four-day game—bolstered his selection for the senior team.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Playing XIs
India Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando
