Cricket

India aims for a 2-0 series victory as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal strive for redemption; Kuldeep's participation in doubt.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 23, 2026, 06:51 IST

Cricket Update: India aims to maintain their winning streak in Tests as they face a struggling Sri Lanka in the final match.

India aims for a 2-0 series victory as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal strive for redemption; Kuldeep's participation in doubt.

India's cricket team is poised to extend its winning streak as they prepare for the second and final Test match against a depleted Sri Lankan side at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Sunday. Following a commanding 165-run victory in Galle, the Indian squad is eager to secure a clean sweep in the series, which would bolster their position in the World Test Championship standings.

Key Performers Shine in Galle

In the first Test, several players stood out, notably Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar. Suthar's impressive match figures of 10 wickets for 131 runs highlighted his potential as a rising star in Test cricket. Padikkal's contributions of 167 and 44 runs, along with Rahul's 82 and 35, and Pant's solid 66, effectively countered Sri Lanka's spin attack, setting the stage for India's victory.

Captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, however, faced challenges in Galle, with both players looking to bounce back in the upcoming match. Gill was dismissed by Sri Lanka's leading left-arm spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, in both innings, while Jaiswal's performance was marred by a run-out and a catch off Asitha Fernando. Their ability to perform will be crucial for India's ambitions of a 2-0 series win, which would elevate them from fifth to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings.

Selection Dilemmas Ahead of Colombo Clash

As the team gears up for the final Test, a significant decision looms regarding the bowling lineup. India must decide whether to retain left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who struggled in Galle with just one wicket for 103 runs, or to introduce 33-year-old off-spinning allrounder Saransh Jain for his Test debut. Jain's inclusion could provide a strategic advantage against Sri Lanka's left-handed batsmen, adding depth and variety to the bowling attack.

With the stakes high and the momentum on their side, India is determined to capitalize on their recent success and secure a decisive victory in Colombo.

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