India Strengthens Spin Attack with New Net Bowlers Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series

As India gears up for the first Test against Sri Lanka, they have strengthened their squad by including four spinners as net bowlers. This strategic move aims to enhance their preparation for the spin-friendly conditions expected in Sri Lanka. The team faces several injury challenges, including the absence of star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The two-match series will commence on August 15, with the Indian squad led by Shubman Gill. Discover more about the new additions and the team's current status as they aim for success in the ICC World Test Championship.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 12:07 IST

India's Preparations for the Sri Lanka Test Series

Ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle, India has added four spinners to their net bowlers: Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that these additions aim to enhance the team's readiness against spin, particularly in the spin-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka.

Introducing the New Spin Bowlers

According to the BCCI, "Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam have joined the Indian squad as net bowlers to assist the team in the build-up to the first Test against Sri Lanka."

Harsh Dubey, a slow left-arm orthodox spinner, made his debut during the ODI series against Afghanistan, where he took four wickets in two matches. His impressive IPL performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) included eight wickets in eight matches at an average of 28.50.

Shivang Kumar, a 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner, also played for SRH this IPL season, claiming nine wickets in 13 matches at an average of 41.66. He has shown his batting skills in the MP T20 League, scoring 194 runs in eight innings with a strike rate of 176.36.

Tanush Kotian, 27, is a right-arm off-break bowler with a strong domestic record, having taken 131 wickets in 44 first-class matches at an average of 27.48. He has also scored 2,168 runs in 65 innings, including two centuries.

Vipraj Nigam, a right-arm leg-break bowler, has been part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad for the last two IPL seasons, taking 13 wickets in 19 matches. He performed well in the recent tri-nation series against Sri Lanka, taking seven wickets in five innings.

Test Series Schedule and Team Updates

The two-match Test series will kick off at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

Injury Updates in the Indian Squad

India's star bowler Jasprit Bumrah will miss the series due to a lingering left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England. Aquib Nabi has been named as his replacement.

The team is also facing several injury issues, with Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy out due to hamstring and quadriceps injuries, respectively.

Washington Sundar is unavailable for the opening Test due to a hamstring problem, while Akash Deep is still recovering from stress reactions in his back.

World Test Championship Context

This series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Currently, India, led by Shubman Gill, sits fifth in the standings with four wins and four losses from nine matches, holding a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.

India's Squad for the Test Series Against Sri Lanka

The Indian squad for the Test series includes: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, and Aquib Nabi.

*Subject to fitness clearance.