India are all set to take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 (Saturday). This will be a crucial series for India as they mark their return to the World Test Championship 2025-27 for the first time since their humiliating home Test Series whitewash against South Africa in December. The team have made some big changes due to injuries, and one player who was brought in to the squad to replace Sai Sudharsan was Sarfaraz Khan. Now, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a big prediction for him.

Speaking on his YouTube channel , Ravichandran Ashwin said that he would start with Dhruv Jurel ahead of Sarfaraz Khan in the playing XI. However, he feels that Sarfaraz Khan is only being given a chance in sub continent conditions, and hence his role needs to be made clear by the management.

“I’ll start with Jurel. Sarfaraz came into the squad because of Sai Sudharsan’s injury. The messaging is very important for Sarfaraz. If you feel he is a suspect in certain conditions, you need to give him clarity. You need to tell him that he can serve the team in sub-continental conditions,” Ashwin said.

If Sarfaraz Khan is given the clarity of his role in the India squad, then, according to R Ashwin, he would only focus on playing spin. In fact, if he does this, then Ashwin tipped him to become the king of subcontinental conditions.

“So that way, even Sarfaraz won’t waste his time on the rest of the things. He can focus on playing good spin, and he can become the king of the sub-continental conditions. He can build his career. If you feel he cannot work in certain conditions, then communicate that to him,”the Indian spinner added.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes a report by Ravichandran Ashwin. While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of ‘intent’ remain those of the creator.