Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has pointed to Ravindra Jadeja’s previous time in Sri Lanka as a major asset for an Indian squad in which several players are new to touring the island.
Schedule and return from injury
India open their Test series in Galle on August 15, and the second Test follows in Colombo from August 23 to 27. Before that, the squad will play a four-day practice match in Colombo starting August 7. Jadeja returns to the Test set-up after missing recent action with a tennis elbow injury picked up during the 2026 Indian Premier League. His last Test was against South Africa at home in November last year.
Why experience counts
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Dasgupta said that even on pitches that help spinners, bowlers cannot simply expect wickets; they have to find the correct pace, line and length. In his view, Jadeja understands those demands, and his advice to the younger bowlers will matter.
A milestone in sight
Jadeja needs two more Test wickets to reach 350. In 89 Tests he has also scored 4,095 runs.
Gambhir’s record against spin
Dasgupta also spoke highly of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who he said has been among India’s best players of spin over the past 10 to 15 years. Time with Gambhir during the training camp, he suggested, will help players understand how to approach spin. The camp and the practice match in Colombo are expected to help the squad settle in before the series begins.
