Indian players who could make their Test debut vs Sri Lanka

India are all set to face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series in the Island Nation. This will be the first time India will play Test cricket since their one-off game against Afghanistan. However, while that match wasn’t a part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, the two Tests in Sri Lanka certainly are.

India are going through a transition phase in red-ball cricket, especially after the retirements of Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma over the last couple of years. Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, India have had mixed results in the longest format. The Sri Lanka series will give India a chance to showcase an improvement in the Test cricket, especially after home defeats against New Zealand and South Africa brought them considerable criticism.

Let’s take a look at three Indian players who could earn their maiden Test caps during the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Auqib Nabi

Auqib Nabi has earned his maiden India call-up for the Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 15. The right-arm seamer was the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy last year, as he helped Jammu and Kashmir win the coveted title for the first time. He also bowled well during the India A tour of Sri Lanka a few weeks ago. In two four-day games, he picked up six wicket at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 47.66.

Many were surprised not to find his name in the initial squad picked by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. However, an injury ruled Jasprit Bumrah out of the series, opening the door for Nabi to join the Men in Blue for the first time. India might play just two seamers in the playing XI. This would make it difficult for him to break into the side. However, if the Asian giants opt for a three-man pace attack, the 29-year-old could get the nod. He is also a very decent batter and can be played as a seam-bowling all-rounder.

Gurnoor Brar

Gurnoor Brar made his international debut during the ODI series against Afghanistan in June. He has had an impressive start, picking up 11 wickets in six ODIs, despite conceding runs at an economy rate of 6.96. His tall frame helps him extract bounce even from some placid surfaces. He will be waiting eagerly for his red-ball debut and many feel that this format will suit him the most.

When it comes to first-class cricket, the 26-year-old has played 19 matches, picking up 62 wickets at an average of 25.24 and a strike rate of 41.40. This includes two five-wicket hauls. Brar might not get too much assistance from the wickets in Sri Lanka. However, if there is variable bounce, he could become lethal with his height and ability to target the stumps.

Saransh Jain

Saransh Jain was picked in the squad for the Sri Lanka tour after Washington Sundar was ruled out due to injury. The former is an experienced spin-bowling all-rounder from Saurashtra. In first-class cricket, the 33-year-old has scored 2,223 runs in 54 matches at an average of 31.75. This includes 14 fifties and two centuries. He bats left-handed and bowls off-spin, much like Sundar.

With the ball, Jain has picked up 188 wickets in first-class games at an average of 27.30 and a strike rate of 54.30. He also has 10 five-fors to his name. While Jain plays more of a holding role for Saurashtra, if the conditions are in favour of the tweakers, he becomes more than a handful. The Indore-born would love a chance to bowl on the wickets in Sri Lanka, which are expected to assist the spinners.