3 changes India could make for second SL vs IND Test
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India had a magnificent outing with bat and ball in first SL vs IND Test.
The Indian Cricket Team will look to finish the Sri Lanka tour on a high when the second and final Test begins in Colombo on August 23. India already lead the two-match series 1-0 after a strong 165-run win in the first Test at Galle. They now have a good chance to complete a series sweep and improve their position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Standings.
The first Test gave India several positives. Devdutt Padikkal played one of the best innings of the match, scoring 167 in the first innings, while KL Rahul also made an important 82. Rishabh Pant continued his aggressive batting and played an impactful knock of 66 runs in the second innings.
The biggest star of the match was Manav Suthar. The young left-arm spinner grabbed 10 wickets in the match and played a major role in India’s victory. Ravindra Jadeja also made an impact, giving support to Suthar from the other end, and the duo put Sri Lankan batter on the back-foot throughout the second innings.
However, not everything went India’s way. Yashasvi Jaiswal again failed to play a big knock and has now managed only one fifty in his last eight Test innings. Captain Shubman Gill also didn’t perform well, scoring just 24 runs across both innings. Both the batters will be looking to make a strong comeback in Colombo.
With the series already in visitor’s favour, the team management could also think about making a few changes to the Playing XI.
Changes India could make for second Test against Sri Lanka
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3. Saransh Jain for Kuldeep Yadav
The biggest possible change could come in the spin department. Kuldeep Yadav had a disappointing outing in Galle, taking just one wicket in 25 overs while conceding 103 runs. He was also the least-used spinner, as Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled the majority of the overs.
The Colombo test could therefore be an opportunity for Saransh Jain to make his international debut. The Madhya Pradesh off-spinner can bring variety to an attack that already has two left-arm spinners in Suthar and Jadeja.
Jain has also built a strong domestic record with 188 first-class wickets in 54 matches. His off-spin could be useful against Sri Lanka, especially with several left-handed batters in their top order.
2. Sarfaraz Khan for Dhruv Jurel
India could also consider bringing Sarfaraz Khan back into the playing XI. Dhruv Jurel made 51 in the first innings at Galle, but Sarfaraz’s experience in domestic cricket and his ability to attack spin should make him an interesting option.
With India’s middle order still finding the right combination, Sarfaraz could get another opportunity to prove himself.
1. Gurnoor Brar for Mohammed Siraj
The third possible change could be in the bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj‘s speed was the major talking point, and there were even speculations that he is carrying some injury. If India feel that he is carrying a minor niggle, the team management may not want to take unnecessary risks with a long Test season ahead.
Gurnoor Brar could provide another bowling option if India decide to change the combination. His height and pace would also give India another variation.
When will the Sri Lanka vs India 2nd Test begin?
The second Test between Sri Lanka and India will begin on August 23, 2026, in Colombo.
Where will the second Sri Lanka vs India Test be played?
The second Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Amit Patel is a passionate sports enthusiast and a devoted Virat Kohli admirer who proudly supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Having been involved in sports from a young age, he has played chess at the district level and represented his college in various competitions. Amit closely follows Indian cricket, with a special interest in tracking young talents and rising stars making their mark at the highest level. Alongside his love for the game, he is an experienced sports content writer who enjoys crafting stories that connect with fans.