Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain could be in contention for his India Test debut as the team prepares for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The 33-year-old was seen bowling extensively during India’s net session, with Sri Lanka’s left-hand-heavy batting lineup potentially influencing the team management’s selection decision.
Jain received his maiden India call-up for the Sri Lanka Test series but was not included in the playing XI for the opening match in Galle. He had also featured in the three-day warm-up game against Sri Lanka XI, bowling 15 overs across two innings without taking a wicket. Ahead of the Colombo Test, Jain was spotted bowling alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar during India’s practice session. His presence in the nets has once again raised speculation about whether the off-spinner could be handed his maiden Test cap.
India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed that the final XI would be decided after assessing the pitch. He also acknowledged that Sri Lanka’s decision to include more left-handed batters could be a factor in India’s selection plans. “We will decide the playing XI tomorrow after looking at the wicket.”
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Saransh Jain has a strong first-class record and could offer India an additional batting option. He has claimed 188 wickets in 54 first-class matches, while his left-handed batting has produced 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75.
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We will decide the playing XI tomorrow after looking at Wicket, we know that SL have added more left handed batters in their team says Sairam Bahutule on Possible debut of Saransh Jain #TeamIndia #SLvsIND https://t.co/vJN6uctEvb
— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) August 21, 2026
India already fielded three spinners in Galle, with Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Suthar all included in the XI. Suthar was the standout performer, claiming a sensational 10 wickets in the match. Jadeja contributed four wickets, while Kuldeep managed only one scalp.
India also played Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna as the two frontline fast bowlers. The team management must now decide whether Jain’s off-spin and batting ability are enough to alter that combination. Sri Lanka’s batting lineup could make the selection particularly interesting. With several left-handers expected in the top seven, an off-spinner could provide a different angle and allow India to create favourable match-ups.
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However, replacing one of the existing bowlers could disrupt the balance that helped India secure a 165-run victory in Galle. The second and final Test will begin on Sunday, August 23, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. With India leading 1-0, Shubman Gill and his team will be aiming to seal the series, while Jain will hope his impressive net-session involvement translates into an international debut.
