India squad for Sri Lanka series [Source: AFP]In a significant development, India announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with the opening game scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle.The Shubman Gill-led side will head into the series with the WTC qualification race firmly in mind.The biggest boost for India is the return of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The selectors have also handed a maiden Test call-up to spin-bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain. While it is important to note that Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan have been included in the squad, both remain subject to fitness clearance ahead of the first Test.India's Squad For Sri Lanka TestsShubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Saransh Jain. Having said this, in this article, let's take a look at India's strongest playing XI for the Sri Lanka 1st Test.Also Read: Deserving Players Who Missed Out On India’s Squad For Sri Lanka Tests 2026Top Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt PadikkalIndia's opening combination appears settled, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul expected to continue at the top of the order in the playing XI.The only selection question revolves around the no. 3 position. Sai Sudharsan has been named in the squad but is awaiting final fitness clearance from the BCCI. Should he fail to recover in time, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to slot straight into the India's playing XI.Padikkal has been one of the standout performers in domestic cricket over the past season. The stylish left-hander amassed 543 runs in 11 innings during the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy at an average of 54.30.Overall, he has scored 725 runs in 9 innings at an average of 90.63 while maintaining an impressive strike rate of 98.24 in VHT Elite 2025-26.Middle Order: Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra JadejaCaptain Shubman Gill is expected to anchor the batting unit at no. 4 in India's playing XI, a position where he has enjoyed remarkable success. Gill has made 1,065 runs in 14 innings at an exceptional average of 88.75, including six centuries and one half-century (at no. 4).Rishabh Pant will likely bat at no. 5 alongside wicketkeeping responsibilities. The explosive left-hander has scored 3,557 runs in 50 Test innings at an average of 43.37 and a strike rate of 74.05.Dhruv Jurel is likely to retain his place at no. 6 in India's playing XI after producing encouraging performances whenever opportunities have come his way. In 10 Test matches, Jurel has scored 478 runs at an average of 34.14.Ravindra Jadeja will likely be slotted in at no.7, adding an all-round option for India. Apart from providing control and wicket-taking ability with the ball, Jadeja offers significant depth with the bat. His experience in Sri Lankan conditions will also make him one of India’s most crucial players heading into the series.Bowlers: Saransh Jain, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh KrishnaIndia will likely build their bowling attack around spin, making Saransh Jain one of the most exciting names in the India's playing XI vs Sri Lanka.The uncapped off-spin all-rounder has earned his maiden Test call-up after Washington Sundar was not available for the IND vs SL 1st Test due to a hamstring injury.It is vital to note that Saransh Jain's domestic record fully justifies his selection. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder has claimed 188 wickets in 54 FC matches at an average of 27.30. With the bat, he has made 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75, including two centuries and 14 half-centuries. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to partner Ravindra Jadeja and Saransh Jain to form India's bowling attack against Sri Lanka for the first Test. Kuldeep's wrist spin offers a different dimension and gives India an attacking option against both right- and left-handed batters.In the pace department, Mohammed Siraj remains an automatic selection in India’s playing XI due to his experience. The final fast-bowling spot, however, depends on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. If Bumrah is unavailable, Prasidh Krishna is expected to partner Siraj. However, if Bumrah is declared fit before the opening Test, Prasidh Krishna is likely to make way for the premier fast bowler.India’s playing XI and bowling department scenario also leaves little room for Gurnoor Brar. The right-arm seamer is unlikely to feature in the first Test because the Shubman Gill-led side is expected to prioritise three specialist spinners and only two frontline pacers, keeping in mind the Sri Lankan conditions.India's Strongest XI For 1st Test vs Sri LankaYashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Saransh Jain, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh KrishnaAlso Read: Jasprit Bumrah Gets Serious Warning From Australian Legend
