Yashasvi Jaiswal faces spin test in Galle opener

Yashasvi Jaiswal will confront a familiar challenge in new conditions when India open the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday. The left-handed opener must balance attack and defence on pitches where the ball can grip, drift and turn without clear early signals. Former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne described Galle as the toughest place to bat because neither seamers nor spinners announce their threat consistently.

Jaiswal showed the required patience in his 209 against England in Visakhapatnam last year, absorbing pressure before increasing intent. He also demonstrated controlled aggression in his second-innings 35 against New Zealand in Bengaluru. India want him to remain positive without rushing as the Galle surface wears and spin becomes the dominant force.