Kuldeep Yadav likely to play first Test against Sri Lanka [Source: X.com]India’s preparations for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka have gathered pace, and Kuldeep Yadav has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the opening Test. While there has been no official confirmation about India’s playing XI, the left-arm wrist-spinner has caught attention with his unusual training routine in Colombo.Notably, the Indian team is currently in Sri Lanka, where they will first play a 3-day warm-up match before the Test series begins on August 15. The upcoming red-ball contest is important for both teams in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with India placed fifth and Sri Lanka occupying the sixth spot.Kuldeep Yadav Spends Longer Time Batting In PracticeInterestingly, Kuldeep Yadav was not seen doing what he is primarily known for during the latest practice session. Instead of bowling, the wrist-spinner reportedly spent nearly 40 minutes working on his batting.According to Ankan Kar from RaySportz, Kuldeep batted extensively and did not bowl a single delivery during the session. Naturally, this unusual approach has sparked speculation about India’s plans for 1st Test.Although there is no official reason behind the decision, a specialist bowler spending significant time with the bat indicates that he could pretty much be in India's plans for the first Test against Sri Lanka, starting on August 15. Ankan Kar @AnkanKar Kuldeep the batter! 😁 Batted for a some solid 40 minutes today… but didn’t bowl a single ball. Quite the plot twist! 😅🇮🇳 #TeamIndia #SLvIND Aug 5, 2026, 1:11 PM India’s injury woes strengthens Kuldeep's selection chancesIndia have already suffered several setbacks ahead of the series. Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out due to injury, while Harshit Rana also misses the tour after suffering another setback shortly after returning from a lengthy layoff.Meanwhile, Washington Sundar is unavailable after being ruled out with a hamstring injury. As a result, India have lost two players capable of strengthening the lower order.Therefore, the team management could be looking at players who can offer both bowling quality and valuable runs down the order. In that regard, Kuldeep Yadav becomes an interesting option.Also Read: India Stars Who Will Be Desperate To Make A Mark In Warm-Up Match On Sri Lanka Tour 2026Although Kuldeep is primarily known for his wicket-taking ability, he has shown on several occasions that he can stay at the crease and frustrate opposition bowlers.The left-arm spinner has scored 234 runs in 18 Tests, with a highest score of 40. Furthermore, he has previously performed the role of a nightwatchman and has displayed solid defensive technique while rotating the strike effectively. Consequently, his batting ability could add useful depth to India’s lineup if required.Is Kuldeep In India’s Plans For The First Test?At the moment, neither the BCCI nor the team management has provided any indication regarding India’s playing XI. Hence, it would be premature to confirm Kuldeep Yadav’s place in the side.Nevertheless, Sri Lankan conditions have traditionally favoured spin bowlers, especially at the Galle International Stadium, where spinners often dictate the outcome of matches. Therefore, Kuldeep’s wicket-taking ability, combined with his improving batting skills, could strengthen his case for selection.Also Read: Cricket's Big Three Member Plans To Boycott Ireland For Hosting Afghanistan
