Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj (Source: AFP)
India will begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on Saturday, August 15, with the first Test scheduled to be played at the Galle Stadium.
The match will also present an important challenge for Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, as the team will look to find the right bowling combination in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
One of the biggest questions ahead of the IND vs SL 1st Test is who India will pick in the fast-bowling unit, with Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Auqib Nabi all available for selection.
Will India Drop Mohammed Siraj From IND vs SL 1st Test?
While speaking about the available bowling options at the pre-match press conference, the Indian captain Shubman Gill praised Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna but made no comments on Mohammed Siraj.
He said that Manav Suthar has the potential to become a good number eight and praised his bowling ability. He also revealed that both Prasidh and Gurnoor had been impressive, adding that Prasidh was bowling the best he had seen from him.
"Manav Suthar has potential to be a good number 8. He is a very good bowler and with backing and confidence. He will do really well here. Both Prasidh and Gurnoor have been very good. Prasidh bowling the best I have seen. Tough decision," Shubman Gill said at the pre-match press conference before IND vs SL 1st Test.
The comments have naturally raised questions about Mohammed Siraj's place in the playing XI.
If India decide to play three spinners, they could use Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar as the main spin options. That would leave only two places for fast bowlers.
Gurnoor Brar appears to have strengthened his case with disciplined bowling; on the other hand, Prasidh Krishna has received backing from Gill.
Also Read: Shubman Gill Speaks On WTC Final As India Lurk On The 5th Spot
Should India Drop Mohammed Siraj From IND vs SL 1st Test?
India should think carefully before leaving Mohammed Siraj out. With Bumrah unavailable, Siraj is one of the most experienced pacers in the squad.
His ability to bowl with the new ball and extract reverse swing later in the innings makes him useful even on pitches where spinners are expected to dominate.
Galle is likely to offer assistance to spin, but India could still need a fast bowler capable of making breakthroughs with the new ball.
Given Siraj's experience, India should not drop him for the IND vs SL 1st Test.
How Will India’s Bowling Department Look If Mohammed Siraj Is Snubbed?
If India decides to leave Siraj out, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna could form the pace attack. Jadeja, Kuldeep and Suthar would then make up the spin unit. That combination would give India plenty of variety and allow them to put maximum pressure on Sri Lanka in Galle.
However, for now, the selection remains a difficult call. Shubman Gill's praise for Gurnoor and Prasidh has certainly made Siraj’s position less secure, but his experience could still earn him a place in the XI.
