New Delhi, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India batter WV Raman believes Sri Lanka will provide a stern test for India in the upcoming two-Test series, with the hosts capable of exploiting spin-friendly conditions at home.
India, led by Shubman Gill, enter the series after home Test defeats to New Zealand and South Africa exposed their vulnerability against quality spin. Raman said the tour will test whether India have addressed those shortcomings as they look to remain in contention for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Speaking to IANS in an interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network ahead of the series opener in Galle on Saturday, Raman said Sri Lanka possess the ability to challenge India in conditions similar to those in which India traditionally excel.
“Like India, Sri Lanka is also a formidable opponent at home,” Raman said, adding that the hosts are equally capable of handling spinners and playing on turning pitches.
“It remains to be seen how India fares, especially when you consider they’ve not really done well at home in Test matches in recent months. So, it’s going to be a stiff challenge,” he said.
India arrived in Sri Lanka 11 days before the opening Test and also won a warm-up game. However, Raman said the result of the practice match should not be given too much importance. Instead, he believes India’s preparations and mental focus during their 10-day build-up to the Test will be more significant.
“I would rather bank on the fact that they might have been working on a few things that they needed to do better,” he said.
Raman also backed Gill to continue the strong form he showed during the England summer and praised the captain’s ability to learn and consult others.
“Let’s not forget one thing – he is a quick learner,” Raman said. “I am sure that we will see Shubman Gill becoming better with each passing Test series.”
He was equally confident about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ability to adapt to Sri Lankan conditions. Raman said Jaiswal’s record across formats and his performances in different countries give him confidence that the opener can provide a solid platform for India’s middle order.
The combination of Jaiswal and KL Rahul, he added, could work particularly well because of the contrast between their styles and experience.
“One can play different levels of cricket in terms of aggression and caution, and the other can provide the wisdom,” Raman said.
Raman was particularly clear about how he believes Rishabh Pant should approach the Sri Lankan spinners. He said the wicketkeeper-batter should be given the freedom to play his naturally aggressive game rather than being pushed towards a conventional Test-batting approach.
“I think Rishabh Pant must be given a free license to play the way he plays,” Raman said.
According to Raman, Pant is at his best when he attacks bowlers and scores quickly, and his aggressive approach has helped India win Test matches overseas from difficult situations.
He warned that asking Pant to become overly defensive could create a conflict between his natural instincts and his mindset at the crease.
“If you are looking at Rishabh Pant’s strengths, as far as I am concerned, his strength is batting aggressively, going after the bowlers, getting runs quickly,” Raman said.
With Sri Lanka expected to rely heavily on left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis and their supporting bowlers, Raman urged Indian batters not to become excessively defensive on turning tracks.
He said turning pitches can also provide scoring opportunities because bowlers face difficulty maintaining the ideal length on such surfaces. Deliveries that are slightly short or slightly fuller can be attacked, allowing batters to use the turn, find gaps and exploit angles.
“That’s why I say that they should look at getting runs more than just being defensive, because turning tracks do also provide batters a fair bit of opportunities to score runs,” Raman said.
The first Test between Sri Lanka and India begins in Galle on August 15, with Day 1 scheduled to be broadcast live from 10 am IST on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD and HD and Sony LIV.
FOLLOW NOW
