India’s pacers struggled in Colombo. The spinners didn’t. Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manav Suthar took 7 wickets between them on day 1 of the warm-up. That is the story India will take to Galle.
The conditions in Sri Lanka favor spin. With Washington Sundar injured, Kuldeep’s role becomes crucial. His 18-over spell, with flight and variation, showed he is ready. Jadeja, despite being rusty, still chipped in. But this also exposes India’s dilemma. Can we go in with one pacer and four spinners? Against Sri Lanka’s batting on turning tracks, that may be the best bet. The management’s focus on all-round ability helped in the past. Now it may force a gamble.
The warm-up also showed why Test cricket needs context. With no first-class status, 90 overs for 2 days and 45 on the last, it was more trial than contest. Yet for players like Kuldeep, who played only 4 Tests last year, it was vital. India’s recent struggles against spin make this series tricky. But if our own spinners fire, we can turn the tables. Free entry for fans is a good move by SLC. Test cricket needs crowds. India needs wins.
Galle will decide if this spin-heavy approach works. Until then, the spinners have done their job: they warmed up. Now they must deliver.