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The Indian cricket team has taken a significant step to tackle the challenge of spin-friendly and turning pitches during the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka. Keeping Asian conditions in mind, the team management has decided to include four specialist spinners in the squad as net bowlers.
The two-match Test series begins on August 15 in Galle. Prior to that, the Indian team will play a three-day warm-up match starting August 7. The touring squad is set to depart for Sri Lanka from Mumbai on Tuesday, August 4.
Variety in the Net Bowling Attack: From Leg-spin to Chinaman
To familiarize Indian batsmen with the variety of spin bowling they might encounter from Sri Lankan bowlers, a wide range of spin options has been included in the net bowling contingent:
- Vipraj Nigam (Leg-spinner): Returning after an excellent performance for India 'A' in Sri Lanka.
- Shivang Kumar (Left-arm wrist-spinner/Chinaman): Emerged as a rising star in IPL 2026 thanks to his unique bowling style.
- Tanush Kotian (Off-spinner): Possesses extensive experience in domestic cricket and recent India 'A' tours.
- Harsh Dubey (Left-arm spinning all-rounder): Earned a spot in the list after consistently taking wickets in the previous Ranji Trophy season and receiving a call-up to the Test squad against Afghanistan.
Jaiswal and Rahul's Special 'Spin Camp' in Mumbai
Even before departure, the focus on preparing against spin was clearly evident within the Indian camp. Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were seen training hard at the 'Wings Sports Center' in Bandra West, Mumbai.
Under the supervision of former national selector Jatin Paranjape, both star batters focused intensely on facing spin bowling. Off-spinner Tanush Kotian bowled to them consistently in the nets to help them prepare for scoring runs easily on the turning tracks of Galle and Colombo.
Full Schedule for the Sri Lanka Tour (SL vs IND Test Schedule)
- 3-Day Warm-up Match: August 7 – August 9, 2026
- First Test Match: August 15 – August 19 (Galle International Stadium)
- Second Test Match: August 23 – August 27 (Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo)
