India will play two Tests in Sri Lanka starting on August 15 in Galle.
Saransh Jain was included in place of injured Washington Sundar and Hanuma Vihari; while lauding his inclusion, he threw a spotlight on how Jalaj Saxena has been continuously being ignored by Indian selectors, despite his amazing domestic record.
Saxena has scored 7,224 runs at an average of 33.75 with 14 centuries and 35 fifties in 157 first-class matches. He has also taken 512 wickets with a best bowling of 9/68, including 36 five-wicket hauls and 11 ten-wicket hauls.
"Saransh Jain has been given an opportunity. He had a great Ranji Trophy season. He has done well for India A as well. But he only got the opportunity because Washington Sundar suffered a hamstring injury. I feel for someone like Jalaj Saxena. He is a legend of domestic cricket. However, during his peak, Jadeja and Ashwin were present.
Saransh received his first call-up due to his timely presence. Such is life and fate. Congratulations to him. Years of hard work have paid off," Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Manav Suthar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav should be India's three spinners in the playing eleven against Sri Lanka, according to Hanuma Vihari. Saransh might be the fourth spinner, he continued, depending on the circumstances.
"We have to see whether Saransh will get a chance in the playing 11. Manav Suthar did well against Afghanistan. Jadeja is there too. Kuldeep Yadav should start, but whether they play him or not is also a big talking point. He should be the third spinner, in my opinion, and there is no doubt. If it is a rank turner, they can play one fast bowler and also play Saransh as the fourth spinner,” Vihari stated.
Saransh scored 518 runs from seven games at an average of 57.55 with one hundred and three fifties during his outstanding Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season. He took 30 wickets with the ball at an average of 20.43. Overall, he has 2223 runs and 188 wickets in 54 FC matches.
Additionally, Vihari also stated that the Sri Lanka Test series will be a crucial one for India captain Shubman Gill, both in terms of batting and leadership, what combination he plays, and how he rotates his bowlers.
This series will test Shubman Gill's captaincy and batting. In these conditions, will he play three spinners or four? We have to see what call he makes. The second thing is how he makes bowling changes; that will also be important along with field placements.
I want Gill to encourage someone like Kuldeep Yadav. He is a match-winner, be it in any format. He takes wickets. If a bowler like him is encouraged by the captain and has that backing, he will do wonders for the team. It will be important how they utilize him,” Vihari said.
The first Test of the Sri Lanka series will be played in Galle from August 15, while the second match will be hosted by SSC, Colombo, from August 23 onwards.