India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the second and final Test of the series in Colombo from August 23 to 27. The visiting team won the series opener by 165 runs and lead the series 1-0. India negated SL’s spin threat and scored more than 600 runs in both innings combined. India could have a change in their playing XI as Saransh Jain seems to be in contention to make his debut. The bowling all-rounder trained on the eve of the game while Kuldeep wasn’t part of the session. Ahead of the second Test, here we have a look at India’s likely playing XI for the second Test –

KL Rahul will continue to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second Test. Rahul shone in the first Test and scored 117 runs across two innings. Jaiswal was run out for 32 in the first innings while he departed for a duck in the second innings.

Devdutt Padikkal pounced on the opportunity and slammed a century in India’s first innings as they put on a big total of 462 on the board. The left-handed batter slammed 167 off 230 balls. He only got to play in Sai Sudharsan’s absence. Sudharsan, who recently sealed his spot at number three, missed the game due to a toe injury. He will also miss the second Test. Padikkal might have to bat at number six when Sudharsan returns.

Captain Shubman Gill will bat at number four and will be followed by Rishabh Pant. Pant, the former India vice-captain, shone in both innings and scored 39 and 66 across two innings. Batting with a strike rate of 95.65, Pant hit 8 fours and 2 sixes in his knock.

Dhruv Jurel will retain his spot at number six, which means no place for Sarfaraz Khan. Jurel scored a half-century in India’s first innings.

All-rounders

Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain are likely to be three all-rounders in the team. Saransh is expected to replace Kuldeep Yadav, who only scalped one wicket in the first game.

The mystery spinner was underbowled in the final innings of the game and he only bowled 11 overs. Ravindra Jadeja sent down 23 overs while Manav Suthar also bowled more than 20 overs. Saransh can also make vital contributions with the bat if needed.

Bowlers

Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are likely to be two pacers in the team. They jointly scalped five wickets in the series opener. Auqib Nabi is unlikely to make his debut in the second Test.