Just two days remain for the start of the all-important IND vs SL Test series, with the opening game to be played in Galle starting August 15. It is a huge series for Team India in particular, as they have to win all their Test matches to remain in contention for a spot in the WTC final race.

Former Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar urged Shubman Gill‘s side to put the team first rather than individual goals. The 77-year-old, in a recent column on SportStar, wrote: “Two-match series in Sri Lanka will not be easy as they are a formidable side at home.”

The legendary batter also wrote, “Winning both these games will be a good start to the Test season and give impetus in the race for the WTC final. There is a lot of effort needed to win the series and also some luck. Above all, there should be a belief that Indian cricket is the priority and not any individual player, no matter how big they are.”

India’s form in the Test format has been inconsistent to say the least. They lost the home series against New Zealand by a 0-3 margin and were also beaten by South Africa late last year. India played well to draw the series in England, and their only success was against the West Indies at home.

Spin challenge for India in Galle

The home team named their squad for the opening game of the series with Prabath Jayasuriya leading the bowling charge. The 34-year-old has been one of the best bowlers for the hosts ever since his debut in 2022. He also has a good record in Galle, where he has picked up 81 wickets from 11 games.

Ramesh Mendis is also part of the side, with the off-spinner also having a stellar record at this venue. The 31-year-old has taken 64 wickets from 12 games with fifers and one ten-wicket haul. Sonal Dinusha is another spin option in the side along with Kamindu Mendiswho can bowl with both hands.

Keshara Nuwantha, who played the three-day warm-up game, is also part of the team. The 25-year-old is considered one of the best young spin prospects. The off-spinner has played 15 first-class games and claimed 64 wickets. He picked up three wickets in the three-day warm-up game, which included the scalps of KL Rahul in the first innings and Gill and Rishabh Pant in the second innings.