India’s preparations for the Sri Lanka Tests may have been hampered by the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, B Sai Sudharsan for the series and Washington Sundar for the first Test, but as they reached Galle on Tuesday, they appear to be a team that is fairly settled. Of course, a decision on who partners Mohammed Siraj is yet to be taken, while Devdutt Padikkal looks like he would fill Sudharsan’s void at No. 3
But there is one more spot for India to ponder – whether to slot Sarfaraz Khan in at No 5 or 6 or to retain Dhruv Jurel.
When Sudharsan was ruled out, the initial conversations revolved around Ruturaj Gaikwad, but it was Sarfaraz who got the nod.
In many ways, his selection was a surprise. For when India A toured Sri Lanka last month, he did not feature in that squad. But the team management had been clear in terms of whom they wanted – a middle-order batsman who is equipped to bat in spin-friendly conditions. And Sarfaraz fit the bill perfectly.
During the whitewash against South Africa last year, following the defeat in Kolkata, the team management had sought Gaikwad’s inclusion for the second Test in Guwahati, only for it to be turned down. But here, when the opportunity presented itself, they have gone back to Sarfaraz for primarily what he brings to the table. As reported by this newspaper earlier, India batting group’s plans in Sri Lanka revolve around two basic aspects – the use of the sweep shot and the feet to step down the track. Sarfaraz ticked those boxes as well.