3 India players who could make the biggest impact in Sri Lanka

India are set to take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series starting on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. The series comes at a crucial stage of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, with India needing to win seven of their remaining nine Tests to strengthen their chances of reaching the final.

The visitors have made a few changes to their squad, including giving opportunities to some recent debutants as they continue to build a balanced side for the future. However, a tour of Sri Lanka presents a unique challenge, with spin-friendly conditions expected to test both batters and bowlers. India's experienced campaigners, along with a few emerging stars, will have an important role to play if the team is to return home with a series victory.

Here are three players who could make the biggest impact in Sri Lanka:

3) Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is expected to be India's biggest match-winner in the series. The wicketkeeper-batter has built a reputation for delivering game-changing performances in Test cricket, especially in challenging overseas conditions. While Sri Lankan pitches are known to assist spin, Pant's aggressive approach against slow bowlers makes him one of India's most dangerous batters.

The left-hander is comfortable using his feet against spinners and is equally capable of playing conventional cricket when the situation demands. His ability to rotate the strike, disrupt a bowler's rhythm, and clear the boundary with ease makes him a difficult batter to contain. Pant has scored 3,557 runs in 50 Test matches at an impressive average of 43.37, including eight centuries and 19 half-centuries. If he settles at the crease, he can completely shift the momentum in India's favour and put Sri Lanka's spin attack under immense pressure.

2) Ravindra Jadeja

When it comes to playing in Asian conditions, few all-rounders are as valuable as Ravindra Jadeja. His experience and all-round abilities make him one of India's most important players heading into the series. Jadeja returns to the Test setup after missing the one-off Test against Afghanistan and is expected to play his first Test in nearly a year, having last featured against South Africa. His ability to exploit turning surfaces with his disciplined left-arm spin could prove decisive in Sri Lanka, where bowlers who consistently hit the right areas are often rewarded.

Apart from his bowling, Jadeja's batting lower down the order provides India with crucial depth. He has the temperament to rescue the side in difficult situations and can frustrate opposition bowlers with his patience. The veteran has scored 4,095 runs and claimed 348 wickets in 89 Tests, underlining his immense value as one of the finest all-rounders in modern-day cricket.

1) Manav Suthar

Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar could be India's surprise package during the tour. The talented spinner impressed on his Test debut against Afghanistan, where he made excellent use of the conditions and showcased his ability to extract turn and bounce from the surface. Suthar picked up seven wickets on debut, immediately establishing himself as an exciting prospect for India's future. This tour presents another ideal opportunity for him to prove his credentials on spin-friendly pitches.

Bowling alongside an experienced campaigner like Jadeja will also benefit the youngster, allowing him to learn while contributing significantly to the team's success. If Suthar can maintain his accuracy and consistency, he has every chance of emerging as one of India's leading wicket-takers in the series.