Last Updated: July 28, 2026 09:30 AM
India will tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series there. The first Test will be played at Galle starting August 15. The second Test begins on August 23 at SSC Colombo. The series is important for India’s qualification hopes completely.
India needs wins for the ICC World Test Championship final. India’s injury concerns ahead of the series could help. Emerging players could earn places in the squad completely there. Let’s understand which Indian players could get chance.
Injury Concerns and Squad Selection Opportunities for Tests
Several regular Test players are currently recovering from injuries. Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar are injured players. Nitish Reddy is also recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Due to these injuries, selectors may include replacement players. The BCCI selection committee will announce the Test squad soon. Indian players could get chance due to the injury situation.
India last suffered a 2-0 whitewash against South Africa. The series against Sri Lanka is crucial for WTC. The two-match series provides opportunities for emerging talent there.
Gurnoor Brar as Fast Bowling Opportunity Against Sri Lanka
Gurnoor Brar earned his maiden Test call-up previously. He did not make the playing XI against Afghanistan. Gurnoor has impressed selectors with consistent and good performances. He has regularly featured in India A squads.
He took 10 wickets in both innings against Sri Lanka. He bowled successfully for the India A cricket team there. Gurnoor could receive an opportunity if Jasprit Bumrah remains unavailable. His performances have impressed the selectors greatly overall.
Gurnoor has shown he belongs at the highest level.
Auqib Nabi as Ranji Trophy Star for Test Squad
Auqib Nabi enjoyed an outstanding Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Nabi played a major role in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji title. He took 60 wickets in 17 innings played. His bowling average was an impressive 12.65 overall.
Auqib produced figures of 5/54 in the Ranji Final match. He also offers lower-order batting value around number 8. Auqib could replace injured bowlers in the squad there. He is one of the Indian players could get chance in SL vs IND.
Devdutt Padikkal as Leading Candidate to Replace Sudharsan
Devdutt Padikkal made his Test debut against England. He has played only two Test matches so far. Padikkal had an excellent Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. He scored 532 runs in 5 matches played. His batting average was an impressive 66.5 overall.
Devdutt scored a century against Punjab in that match. He scored a maiden double century of 232 runs against Uttarakhand while batting at the number 3 position. He is the leading candidate to replace Sudharsan. These Indian players could get chance in the SL vs IND Tests.
