3 India players whose Test careers could change after Sri Lanka tour

India's two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in August 2026 has produced some notable individual performances and raised genuine questions about the composition of the side going forward. The series has offered a platform for players to shine and put up a strong case for continued selection and has also laid out a mirror for players who have not been able to maintain their level.

With two tough series to follow in India's World Test Championship campaign, the team would be looking to find their best combinations, not just for the upcoming matches but for the future direction of the Test side.

Here are 3 Indian players whose careers could change after the Sri Lanka tour:

3. Manav Suthar

While Manav Suthar's performance against Afghanistan announced him to the cricketing world, his performance in the 1st Test at Galle established him as a potential long-term candidate who could be groomed as the frontline spinner of the side for the future. The left-arm spinner took 4-76 in Sri Lanka's 1st innings and followed that with 6-55 in the 2nd innings, giving him a match haul of 10 wickets, breaking multiple records in the process.

Suthar was included in India's squad with the outlook of finding an option for Ravindra Jadeja as he reaches the tail end of his career. His 10-wicket match haul has made a strong case for his continued selection, with India looking to find a long-term spin-bowling option for their future cycles.

2. Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 and 117 in Galle and Colombo, recording centuries from number 3 in both matches. Being drafted into the side as Sai Sudharsan's replacement, Padikkal grabbed his chance with wide-open arms, looking in complete control in the middle, displaying a wide range of exquisite shots and footwork against spinners.

His innings at Galle and Colombo were a significant contribution to India's strong first-innings platform. With the selectors in the hunt for a long-term option at No. 3 for the future Tests, Padikkal appears to have made a strong case for himself in that slot for the near future.

1. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav has been a key spinner for India across formats, but his contribution in the 1st Test at Galle was limited. The left-arm wrist-spinner struggled for rhythm during the game, managing just one wicket across both innings. Kuldeep has been a differentiating factor for the side with his wrist spin, but his lack of penetration and threat in the last few series is a factor to note.

With Manav Suthar putting up impressive performances for the team, with 17 wickets in two matches, and the impending return of Washington Sundar from injury, Kuldeep could face stiff competition to keep his spot in the side, and his recent performances do not help his case.