Chennai, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed a three-spinner combination for India’s opening Test against Sri Lanka, saying Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav could all feature in the playing XI for the upcoming World Test Championship series.
India are set to begin the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle from August 15, with conditions expected to assist spin bowling.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said Jadeja’s return to the Test squad makes him a certain selection, while Manav Suthar’s recent performance and Kuldeep Yadav’s availability provide India with strong spin options.
“Jadeja will definitely play. Manav Suthar took seven wickets in the last game – he’ll play. And Kuldeep Yadav should also play. That makes three spinners,” Ashwin said.
The former off-spinner suggested that Saransh Jain could bat at No. 7, allowing India to include three spinners along with two fast bowlers. He named Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal or Sai Sudharsan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as possible batting options.
Ashwin also highlighted the importance of Sai Sudharsan’s fitness, saying the young left-hander’s recent performances for India A in Sri Lanka could prove valuable in the Test series.
Sudharsan scored two centuries during the India A tour, including one at Galle, where he adapted well to challenging conditions. Ashwin said the batter’s ability to play spin could be an advantage against Sri Lanka.
While Ashwin acknowledged that Devdutt Padikkal would be a capable replacement if Sudharsan is unavailable, he expressed hope that Sudharsan recovers in time to continue his recent form at the international level.
Ravindra Jadeja is set to return to the Test setup after recovering from a tennis elbow injury that kept him out since the IPL earlier this year.
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