Srinagar, Aug 14: Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is not in contention for a place in India’s playing XI for the opening Test against Sri Lanka, with the team management weighing its options between Prasidh Krishna and uncapped Gurnoor Brar for the second pace-bowling slot.
India captain Shubman Gill, speaking ahead of the opening Test, indicated that Prasidh could have the edge after impressing during the warm-up game, although he described the selection call between the Karnataka pacer and Brar as a difficult one.
“Gurnoor Brar is excellent with the old ball as he can extract bounce at a good pace. But Prasidh Krishna is bowling well of late as we have seen in the warm-up match. So it’s a tough call,” Gill said.
Mohammed Siraj is understood to be the most certain member of the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Prasidh has the advantage of Test experience, having featured in seven matches and taken 25 wickets, while Brar is yet to make his international debut.
Gill said Bumrah’s absence provides an opportunity for other fast bowlers to make their mark during the series.
“Jasprit Bumrah is not here but it’s an opportunity for someone to step up. It’s all about understanding the pace of the game,” he said.
India are expected to field three specialist spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav, leaving limited room for another seamer.
The Test series between India and Sri Lanka is set to get underway on Saturday, August 15, with the opening match also marking India’s 600th Test in the traditional format. The landmark fixture will coincide with Independence Day, adding further significance to the occasion.
“Leading my country in the 600th Test is an honour and doing so on Independence Day is an even bigger honour,” Gill said.
