New Delhi, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes Ravindra Jadeja’s experience of bowling on spin-friendly surfaces will be a major asset for the team during the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka, beginning August 15.
With several members of the current Indian squad set to play their first Test series in Sri Lanka, Dasgupta pointed out that Jadeja and KL Rahul are the only players in the team who have previous red-ball experience in the island nation.
Rahul toured Sri Lanka in 2015 and 2017, while Jadeja was part of India’s 2017 tour, when the visitors registered a 3-0 series victory.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Dasgupta said success on turning tracks requires skill and patience rather than simply relying on spin.
“If we talk about experience, this is the first Test series for many players in Sri Lanka. Jadeja is one player who has played there before. Even on spin-friendly pitches, you cannot just come and expect wickets. You need variations in speed, line and length,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with fast bowling on green pitches, Dasgupta said bowlers need to understand the conditions rather than get carried away by surface assistance.
He added that Jadeja’s familiarity with such conditions would help younger players in the squad.
“Jadeja knows how to use his experience. He has played on pitches like this before, including in Sri Lanka. It will be important for him to share that knowledge and guide the young players,” he said.
India will play a three-day practice match at Colombo’s NCC Ground from August 7 to 9 after Thursday’s training session at the same venue. The team will then travel to Galle for the first Test starting August 15. The second and final Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Discussing wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Dasgupta said the decision to manage his workload during the initial practice sessions was understandable after his recent stint with Yorkshire in England’s One-Day Cup.
Kuldeep played five matches for Yorkshire and took nine wickets while maintaining a strong economy rate. Dasgupta said the spinner had bowled extensively during the tournament and needed time to recover before taking part fully in preparations.
“I think he must be a little tired. That is why they are giving him a break. We all know batting is also important. I am sure you will see him bowling after a couple of days,” he said.
Dasgupta also praised India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s involvement during the team’s extended practice session, saying it was an ideal opportunity for him to share his experience as a player who was effective against spin bowling.
“Gautam himself was a very good player against spin. If we talk about the last 10-15 years, he was among the better players of spin. This is a good time for him to spend time with the players and share his experiences and techniques,” he said.
The former cricketer said India’s early arrival and focused preparation would help address a key area of improvement — performing better on turning tracks — especially as the team looks to climb from its current fifth position in the World Test Championship standings.
“The idea is to take one Test at a time. You want to win every match and series, but if there is one area of development, it is playing on spinning tracks. We know how it is at home, and that is an area which needs a lot of work. I am glad they are working on it,” Dasgupta said.
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