India seek boost in Sri Lanka to revive WTC hopes

India's World Test Championship (WTC) campaign is at a crossroads as the team arrives in Sri Lanka for a crucial two-test series, with victory seen as essential to revive their hopes.

Having slipped to fifth in the WTC standings after disappointing home series losses to New Zealand and South Africa, India is under pressure to secure wins. Captain Shubman Gill stated the team's goal is to remain in contention for a final berth, requiring them to win approximately six to seven tests. The series opener in Galle on Saturday presents the first opportunity to begin this climb.

On their previous tour of Sri Lanka nine years ago, India achieved a clean sweep. Gill expects a similar dominant performance this time. However, the pace attack faces challenges with the absence of injured spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj is likely to lead the line, potentially partnered by Prasidh Krishna, though Gill noted the potential of Gurnoor Brar as well.

Given Galle's traditionally spin-friendly conditions, India is considering fielding three spinners, possibly including Manav Suthar alongside Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Sri Lanka, also sixth in the WTC standings and needing home advantage to translate into points, faces its own challenges. They have recalled Niroshan Dickwella after Kusal Mendis was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

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Our goal is to stay in contention for a berth in the World Test Championship final. We need to win six or seven tests for that. So we want to make a beginning here.