India seek 2-0 sweep: Gill, Jaiswal look to bounce back; Kuldeep to miss out?
India prepares for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, aiming for a 2-0 series sweep to improve their World Test Championship standings. The team is evaluating potential lineup changes, specifically considering whether to retain Kuldeep Yadav or debut Saransh Jain.
Why it matters
A series win is critical for India's qualification prospects for the 2027 World Test Championship final.
Having found their ‘sweet spot’ in Tests, India will look to carry their winning momentum into the second and final game against an injury-hit Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Sunday.Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar were the stars of India’s 165-run win in Galle, with Suthar registering match figures of 10/131. If captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal get going, India will fancy a 2-0 clean sweep in Colombo that would strengthen their push for a 2027 World Test Championship final slot and lift them from fifth to fourth in the standings.India’s last overseas Test series win came in the West Indies in July 2023, when they prevailed 1-0. Since then, they have lost 1-3 in Australia and drawn series in South Africa (1-1) and England (2-2).
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