3 selection headaches for Shubman Gill ahead of Sri Lanka 1st Test

India are set to begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium, with the contest marking another crucial step in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Shubman Gill's side reached Sri Lanka earlier this week and will play a three-day warm-up fixture before the opening Test. However, India's preparations have been far from ideal. Injuries to key players, including Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar, have forced the team management into some difficult selection calls.

Here are 3 selection headaches for captain Shubman Gill ahead of 1st Test versus Sri Lanka: 

3. The No. 3 dilemma

One of India's biggest selection concerns revolves around the No. 3 batting position. Sai Sudharsan has not travelled with the Indian squad and is continuing his rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The left-handed batter is expected to resume batting at full intensity soon, and the management remains hopeful of him joining the squad before the practice game. However, his availability for the first Test is still uncertain.

If Sudharsan fails to recover in time, India will have to decide between Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel. While Padikkal is a specialist top-order batter, Jurel has impressed with his temperament and technique whenever he has been given opportunities in the longest format. Picking the right option could significantly influence India's batting balance.