Why has India chosen Saransh Jain over Kuldeep Yadav for Colombo?

India have handed 33-year-old off-spinner Saransh Jain a Test debut for the second match against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The decision follows Kuldeep Yadav's single wicket in 25 overs across both innings at Galle.

Selectors appear to have prioritised a left-arm off-spinner who can exploit Sri Lanka's left-hand heavy batting order. Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said Kuldeep remains in the team's plans, yet the match conditions and opposition composition appear to have tipped the balance toward Jain.

Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja claimed 14 wickets between them in Galle while Kuldeep struggled to find rhythm. Jain's inclusion gives India two left-arm options alongside the wrist-spin of Kuldeep should conditions change later in the series.