.jpg?type=hq)
Saransh Jain To Debut - (Source: X)
On Wednesday, August 19, India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs to lead the two-match Test series 1-0. It was a scintillating win for the Shubman Gill-led side, but there were a few areas that need improvement. India missed an extra off-spinner, and Saransh Jain warmed the bench in Galle.
The visitors were in a strong position when they entered the match, but Sri Lanka fought back brilliantly and almost snatched a win out of the jaws of defeat. Besides Devdutt Padikkal, off-spinners were on song for India and were crucial to India’s win. However, India are most likely to make key changes to their playing XI for 2nd Test.
Saransh Jain In Contention To Make India Debut In 2nd Test
A report from India Today mentioned that India are looking to bring in Saransh Jain for the 2nd Test, replacing Kuldeep Yadav. In the first Test, India’s two off-spinners - Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja found success, which is why the management wants to go ahead with the right-arm spinner.
It will be a tactical change because Kuldeep Yadav struggled at Galle and failed to replicate his past heroics.
Also Read: Who Is The Oldest Indian To Make Test Debut As Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up At 33?
For the unversed, Saransh Jain earned his India call-up at 33. His age has been the most-talked-about topic recently, but the Madhya Pradesh-based all-rounder has the chance to silence his critics.
Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar Shine, Kuldeep Yadav Flops In 1st Test
Talking about the match, Manav Suthar scripted history and registered the best bowling figures by an Indian on Sri Lankan soil. The left-arm spinner took 10 wickets in the match, which includes a six-wicket haul in the second innings.
Ravindra Jadeja, on the other hand, picked up a four-wicket haul in the match, which includes a three-wicket haul in the first innings. However, Kuldeep Yadav had a match to forget. The left-arm wrist-spinner took just a solitary wicket in two innings and leaked runs as well.
Why Is Saransh Jain Getting Picked Ahead Of Kuldeep Yadav?
Firstly, bringing in Sarash Jain will add more batting depth to the Indian side. In 54 First-Class matches, the 33-year-old has scored 2223 runs, averaging 31.75. He has two centuries and 14 fifties to his name.
India tumbled for just 193 runs in their 2nd innings against Sri Lanka in the 1st Test and Saransh Jain's inclusion will help the visitors from such embarrassments as he will add more batting depth to the team than Kuldeep Yadav.
Further, Sri Lanka have a lot of right-handed batters in the team but they have struggled against the right-arm off-spinner. For example, the like of Nishan Madhushka has got out twice in just 5 innings to right-arm spin. Hence, Jain will be more effective on such tracks.
.jpg?type=mq "Labuschagne's spot snatched!")
