A shift in India's bowling attack could be on the horizon for the second Test in Colombo, with all-rounder Saransh Jain emerging as a strong contender to make his debut. While the visitors claimed a resounding victory in the series opener at Galle, Kuldeep Yadav’s lackluster performance has cast doubt over his spot in the lineup. This dip in form creates a timely opening for the 31-year-old Jain, who earned his spot in the squad as an injury replacement for Washington Sundar.
Stage set for Saransh Jain's India debut in 2nd Test vs SL
Sports Tak has learnt that the team management is seriously leaning toward handing Jain his Test cap for the final fixture. With conditions in Colombo expected to favor spin-bowling all-rounders, the veteran looks poised to break into the starting XI as India aims to sweep the two-match series.
ALSO READ: Triple whammy for Sri Lanka, not one or two, three stars set to miss second Test against India
Kuldeep Yadav's disappointing match figures of 1/103 across 25 overs stood out as the weak link in India's bowling performance. While seamers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna accounted for five scalps together, the heavy lifting fell to Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja, who completely dominated Sri Lanka by harvesting 14 of the 20 wickets to fall.
Saransh Jain's impressive domestic track-record
On the other hand, Saransh Jain brings a far more compelling track record to the table, making him a strong candidate to bolster the attack.
He has compiled 2,223 runs at a 31.75 average, anchored by two centuries, alongside 188 wickets at 27.30 across 54 First-Class outings.
ALSO READ: 'There was no shame...': KL Rahul opens up on India's dressing room dynamics after Galle triumph