Will Saransh Jain Replace Kuldeep Yadav in 2nd Test

Will Saransh Jain Replace Kuldeep Yadav in SL vs IND 2nd Test in Colombo?

Monojit Das

Modified - Aug 21, 2026, 07:30 AM

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After a complete performance in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium, Team India will be looking to win the series in Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo, where the second match will be played.

Despite the victory, India might make some changes in the playing XI for the second Test. One of them could be the change in the spin bowling department as Kuldeep Yadav didn't perform well. It could prompt the Indian team management to bring in Saransh Jain for this game.

Will Saransh Jain Replace Kuldeep Yadav in 2nd Test?

Days before the SL vs IND 2nd Test, Saransh Jain was seen training in the nets at the Sinhalese Cricket Club, Colombo. The off-spinner was constantly in a conversation with India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, which increases his chance to play.

Looking at the reports, Saransh Jain debut in international cricket is on the cards. The spinner got a maiden call-up for international cricket for this series and it will be a big moment if he plays in Colombo.

Saransh Jain is well in contention to be Kuldeep Yadav replacement for SL vs IND 2nd Test. Jain, the 33-year-old has been one of the best bowlers in India, especially in red-ball cricket.

At the same time, Kuldeep Yadav, who played the first Test match in Galle, wasn't present in this training session. The left-arm wristspinner didn't have a good match and returned figures of 1-65 and 0-38. He picked up just a solitary wicket in the whole match as Shubman Gill preferred short bowling spells for him.

Why Saransh Jain Can Be Considered Over Kuldeep Yadav?

Before this series, it was seen as a great opportunity for Kuldeep to stake a claim in India's Test team. Being one of the best spinners in the world, he has established himself as a key part of India's bowling plans in white-ball cricket.

However, he has played just 19 Tests since his Test debut, which came way back in 2017. The pitch at the SSC is likely to assist finger-spinners more, which increases the chances of Saransh Jain Test debut.