The BCCI selectors gave a huge surprise after they picked 33-year-old off-spinner Saransh Jain in the India squad for the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka. The two Test series will begin on August 15 in Galle, while the second Test will begin on August 23 at the SSC, Colombo.
Saransh Jain was included in the Indian XI based on his strong domestic numbers and the fact that Washington Sundar is out of action due to a hamstring injury that he suffered during the recent white-ball tour of the UK. However, despite the need for spinners in the India XI, Saransh Jain might not get to play in the India XI, and here we share 3 reasons for the same.
Here are the 3 reasons why Saransh Jain might not get his chance in the playing XI for SL vs. IND tests:
3. Strong competition for the limited spots for spinners
India is expected to field a strong spin contingent for the tests in Sri Lanka, given the spin-friendly pitches. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be the two first-choice spinners in addition to 2 or 3 pacers. Saransh Jain will need to fight for a spot as the third spinner with Manav Suthar. Suthar was already impressive on his Test debut against Afghanistan and might be preferred first.
2. Team combination
With Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar not available due to injuries, India will have to carefully manage their team combination, with Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja being the only spinners who can bat. Auqib Nabi is the only pacer who can hold his own with the bat, making team combinations tricky. Saransh Jain might have to wait for his chance depending on how the Indian team forms its playing XI.
1. Debutantes might have to wait for their turn.
Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi are the two players who will be awaiting their India Test debuts in the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka. But with the Indian team management wanting to play their best possible XI, as there are World Test Championship (WTC 2027) points on the line, Saransh Jain might have to wait for his turn, with Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manav Suthar being preferred as the three spinners in the attack.
