Sarfaraz Khan has become one of the biggest talking points after being selected in the Indian Test squad. Many cricket experts believe that India need to handle him carefully this time and, more importantly, keep their communication clear with the batter.

There is also a strong demand to include Sarfaraz in the playing XI. He has earned his place in the squad, but the bigger question is whether the team management will give him an opportunity in the first Test.

India’s practice sessions have now given all indications about their possible combination for the Galle Test. The number of spinners, the pace attack and the Sarfaraz Khan vs Dhruv Jurel debate are among the major selection calls.

India Playing XI for Galle Test: Three Spin Options Confirmed

India’s bowling combination is confirmed after the practice sessions and Morne Morkel’s press conference.

Morkel indicated that India could go with three left-arm spin options. This comes as a surprise because there was an expectation that Saransh Jain could get an opportunity as an off-spinner.

However, according to coach Morne Morkel all the 3 left arm spinners have different variations therefore they will pose different challenges to batters and Indian team management have no issue in selecting them together.

The pace department also looks settled. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are likely to be the two fast bowlers in the playing XI. Which means Gurnoor Brar has to wait for his opportunity.

Sarfaraz Khan vs Dhruv Jurel: Who Gets the No. 6 Spot?

This is where the biggest discussion starts.

There is a strong demand for Sarfaraz Khan to play. Many believe that after bringing him back into the Test squad, India should give him a proper opportunity and maintain clear communication about his role.

The debate becomes even more interesting because Dhruv Jurel is currently competing for the same middle-order position.

Jurel has shown his talent in Test cricket, but haven’t performed with the bat much during the opportunities he has got . There are also questions over how he will handle quality spin in these conditions.

Still, the practice sessions suggest that Jurel is currently ahead of Sarfaraz.

Jurel is likely to bat at No. 6. If Ravindra Jadeja is promoted in the batting order, Jurel could move down to No. 7.

For now, Sarfaraz Khan may have to watch the match from the sidelines.

Whether that is unfair to Sarfaraz or simply a selection based on India’s preferred team combination will remain open for debate.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to Open

There should not be much confusion regarding India’s opening combination.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are set to open the innings. At the moment, this is India’s preferred opening pair for the first Test.

Devdutt Padikkal has also strengthened his case with his performance in the three-day match against Sri Lanka XI.

Padikkal scored a century and, more importantly, looked confident against spin. In conditions where handling spin could become a major factor, his performance puts him in a strong position to bat at No. 3.

Captain Shubman Gill is expected to take the No. 4 position.

Gill looks fit and there is currently little reason to expect a change in his batting position.

Rishabh Pant Remains India’s Key Batter

Rishabh Pant is expected to bat at No. 5.

There has been some criticism around Pant, but judging him only on a short run of performances would be harsh considering what he has already done in Test cricket.

Pant has played important innings for India in difficult conditions. Whether it is against spin on turning pitches or in challenging overseas conditions, his attacking approach has often helped India when the team has been under pressure.

That is why the negativity around his position in the team looks unnecessary at this stage.

The Sri Lanka series will give Pant another opportunity to answer the questions with his bat.

Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Could Lead the Spin Attack

Ravindra Jadeja is expected to take the No. 7 position, although India can easily promote him depending on the match situation.

Manav Suthar is all set to play in the playing confirmed bowling coach Morne Morkel so he will bat at number 8.

Morkel spoke positively about Suthar’s bowling and his recent performances. He impressed against Afghanistan and also looked good in the three-day match.

Kuldeep Yadav will be the 3rd spin bowling option for India.

Morkel also praised the variety available among India’s spin options. Even though India could have multiple left-arm spinners in the XI, they offer different styles and can be used differently depending on the batter and match situation.

This combination could result in Saransh Jain missing out.

Siraj and Prasidh are then expected to complete the bowling attack.

India’s Likely Playing XI for Galle Test

1. KL Rahul


2. Yashasvi Jaiswal


3. Devdutt Padikkal


4. Shubman Gill (C)


5. Rishabh Pant(WK)


6. Dhruv Jurel


7. Ravindra Jadeja


8. Manav Suthar


9. Kuldeep Yadav


10. Mohammed Siraj


11. Prasidh Krishna