Having missed out on selection for the standalone Test against Afghanistan back in June, Ravindra Jadeja has made his return to India's red-ball setup. The world's top-ranked Test all-rounder is expected to play a pivotal role with both bat and ball in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which kicks off in Galle on August 15.
Jadeja’s spot-on Kuldeep impression leaves Gambhir cracking up
Preparation is currently underway in Colombo, where India is contesting a three-day warm-up game against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Standing in at No. 4 in the absence of captain Shubman Gill on Day 2, Jadeja put on a fine display with the willow, stroking a fluent, unbeaten half-century. As one of the few members in the touring party with prior Test experience on Sri Lankan soil, the veteran eventually retired out in the final session to allow his teammates valuable middle time, after which he was spotted in deep conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir near the boundary line.
During those late-day interactions, Jadeja provided a lighthearted moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms. The all-rounder was caught on camera performing a hilarious imitation of teammate Kuldeep Yadav's distinct bowling action. The spot-on impersonation completely broke Gambhir's stoic demeanor, leaving the head coach in absolute splits.
Watch the video here:
Alongside Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav features in India's red-ball squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. The Kanpur-born wrist-spinner took to the crease on Day 2 of the tour game at Colombo's Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, recording a single run across 15 deliveries at No. 8 before retiring out. His primary contribution, however, came during the opening day, where he delivered a solid bowling spell of 2/76 from his 18 overs.
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Despite his presence in the squad, Kuldeep is far from a lock in the starting XI for the Test series, having already spent the entire three-match ODI series against England on the sidelines last month. He faces stern competition for the second spinner's slot from young slow left-armer Manav Suthar, who continues to build a strong case for inclusion.
Suthar has enjoyed an impressive start to his international career, having claimed six first-innings wickets on his Test debut against Afghanistan in June. He matched Kuldeep's two-wicket haul on Day 1 with economical figures of 2/33 in 13 overs, before further strengthening his credentials on Day 2 with a patient, 90-ball 41 with the bat.