Jadeja’s Sri Lanka experience crucial for India Tests: Dasgupta

Ravindra Jadeja has been named in India’s squad for the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka scheduled for August 2026. The 37-year-old Indian all-rounder will feature in the opening Test in Galle from August 15, with the second Test taking place in Colombo from August 23 to 27. India will also play a four-day practice match in Colombo from August 7 before the opening Test begins.

Jadeja missed recent Test action against Afghanistan following a tennis elbow injury he sustained during the 2026 Indian Premier League in May. He last featured in a Test during India’s home series against South Africa in Guwahati in November. Deep Dasgupta has highlighted the importance of Jadeja’s experience ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, noting that the all-rounder’s familiarity with playing conditions in the island nation will prove invaluable for a squad with several first-time visitors to Sri Lanka.

“If we talk about experience, it is the first Test series in Sri Lanka for many of the players, but Jadeja, he has played here before. Even on spin-friendly pitches, it is not as if you come in and just bowl and you will get wickets. Even there, you have to find the right speed, line, and length. So, he will know that because he has played there before. His experience playing in Sri Lanka and how he guides new bowlers will be important,” Dasgupta said on his YouTube.

Jadeja’s experience in Sri Lanka crucial for guiding new bowlers

Jadeja heads into the Sri Lanka tour needing just two more wickets to reach the milestone of 350 Test wickets. The all-rounder has played 89 Tests and scored 4095 runs in his Test career. His presence in the squad provides India with both experience and the prospect of achieving a significant personal milestone during the series.

Gambhir’s spin-playing credentials valuable for squad preparation

Gautam Gambhir is conducting camp practice with the Indian squad ahead of the series. Dasgupta acknowledged Gambhir’s credentials as a player of spin bowling, noting his record against spinners over the past 15 years and beyond.

“Gautam himself was a good player of spin. If you look at the last 10-15 years, or even this century, he has been one of the better players of spin,” Dasgupta stated.

Dasgupta also highlighted the value of the camp sessions for the squad, as he said that it will allow the players to spend time with Gambhir and improve their technique against spin.

“I think it is good that the players will get some time to spend with him. He will be able to tell about his experiences and techniques during this camp,” he added.

The practice match in Colombo from August 7 will give India’s players an opportunity to acclimatise before the opening Test.

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