Deep Dasgupta reveals his preferred playing XI for India vs Sri Lanka first Test

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has revealed his preferred playing XI for India’s first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on August 15, 2026, at Galle. The match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The selection reflects a clear preference for spin-heavy conditions at Galle, where spinners tend to have significant influence on match outcomes.

Why has Dasgupta backed three spinners for Galle?

Dasgupta has advocated for three spinners in his preferred XI, naming Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav to form the spin attack. The Galle venue is well known for surfaces that assist spin bowling, and that appears to be the primary basis for this approach.

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has taken 79 wickets in 18 Tests since his debut in 2017, making him a key figure in Dasgupta’s plans. Alongside the three spinners, Dasgupta has picked Gurnoor Brar and Mohammed Siraj as the two seamers. Brar’s recent involvement with India A in Sri Lanka was specifically cited by Dasgupta as relevant preparation for the Test series.

“If there are two seamers playing, then Gurnoor should feature. Gurnoor was recently there as well for India ‘A’ as well, so that experience will help him. So Gurnoor and Siraj will be my seamers, and I would not mind seeing three spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, and Kuldeep Yadav,” said Dasgupta on YouTube channel.

Who does Dasgupta consider India’s most important player for this series?

The former wicketkeeper-batter identified Rishabh Pant as India’s most important player for the Sri Lanka Test series. Pant features in Dasgupta’s XI as wicketkeeper-batter, with Dhruv Jurel also included in the eleven. The batting order in Dasgupta’s preferred XI is led by Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the top, followed by Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill and Pant in the middle order. Jurel slots in at number six, with the all-round and bowling options completing the lower order.

Dasgupta’s preferred playing XI for India’s first Test vs Sri Lanka:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj.