Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, Shivang Kumar joins India's squad as net bowlers ahead of Test series against Sri Lanka

To bolster their preparation for subcontinental spinning conditions, India’s Test setup has called up four rising spinners—Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, and Shivang Kumar—to serve as net bowlers ahead of the series opener in Galle.

The strategic addition was confirmed by the BCCI following the squad's initial practice session on Wednesday at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the team is utilizing the quartet to fine-tune their batting against quality spin in the lead-up to the August 15 Test match.

India bring in Harsh, Tanush, Vipraj, Shivang as net bowlers for SL conditions

While these development players are not in line for main squad selection or match action under standard conditions, the high-profile training stint offers them priceless exposure alongside the national team's senior stars.

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Among the training quartet, left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey arrives with recent senior experience, having earned his ODI debut against Afghanistan earlier in the year. The Vidarbha all-rounder has been edging closer to regular national selection, earning call-ups for the standalone Afghanistan Test, the final English ODI, and the T20I tour of Zimbabwe.

Joining him is Mumbai's off-spinning all-rounder Tanush Kotian, whose steady domestic campaign vaulted him into the international conversation. Kotian previously received a major call-up during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, brought in to bolster the squad when Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his international career after the third Brisbane Test.

Completing the spin unit's focal points is leg-spinning all-rounder Vipraj Nigam. A former Delhi Capitals prospect in the IPL, Nigam solidified his national pool credentials following strong performances for India ‘A’ during June's 50-over tri-series on Sri Lankan soil.

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Rounding out the net bowling group is Shivang Kumar, the Madhya Pradesh wrist-spinner whose uncommon left-arm angle earned him a contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad during the 2026 IPL campaign. This isn't his first stint assisting the national side, having previously bowled to the Indian batters in New Chandigarh prior to June's lone Test match against Afghanistan.

Stage set for IND vs SL Test battle

Before turning their focus to the opening Test at Galle International Stadium on August 15, Gill's side will tune up with a three-day warm-up fixture at Colombo's NCC ground running from August 7 through August 9. Following the series opener, the tour will shift back to Colombo for the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club between August 23 and August 27.