First India cap beckons: Saransh Jain picked for Sri Lanka Tests

First India call Saransh Jain has received his maiden call-up to the India Test squad for the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. The all-rounder has been picked on the back of consistent performances in domestic cricket. His selection signals India looking at new options in the middle order/with the ball for the Sri Lanka tour. It’s a big breakthrough for Jain. He’ll now get a chance to break into the Test side in subcontinent conditions, where India will want depth in both batting and spin options. As reported by Cricinfo on Sunday, Ravindra Jadeja has recovered from tennis elbow and is part of the squad. However, Washington Sundar was unavailable for selection for the first Test with a hamstring injury he sustained during the ODIs against England. His injury opened the door for Madhya Pradesh's Jain. It is understood that the presence of several left-hand batters in the Sri Lanka side prompted the selectors to consider him. The 33-year-old was impressive during the recent tour of India A to Sri Lanka, where he scored an unbeaten 70 and picked up six wickets in the second four-day game. In all, he has 2223 runs at an average of 31.75 and 188 wickets at 27.30 from 54 first-class games. Sai Sudharsan in contention Like Jain, Sai Sudharsan was also on the A tour and scored hundreds in both games. He’s pushing for a spot, but selection depends on fitness clearance. If he doesn’t get fit, Devdutt Padikkal can slot in at No. 3.Pace attack led by Bumrah. In the fast-bowling department, India have Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and uncapped Gurnoor Brar as the other options. Manav Suthar keeps his place after taking 7 wickets on Test debut vs Afghanistan. But with Ravindra Jadeja returning, there’s no room for Harsh Dubey. The series in Sri Lanka is India's first in the World Test Championship cycle since the 2-0 home defeat to South Africa in November. Before that, they had drawn a five-Test series in England 2-2 and beaten West Indies 2-0 at home. India are fifth in the WTC standings, while Sri Lanka are sixth. Shubman Gill (capt), KL Rahul (vice-capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain