India's strongest playing XI for the 1st Test vs Sri Lanka

Lower Order/Bowlers: Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar deserves to retain his place after an impressive Test debut against Afghanistan, where he claimed seven wickets. His ability to extract turns and maintain control makes him an exciting prospect for Sri Lankan conditions.

India's pace attack should feature Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Siraj has developed into India's pace spearhead, claiming 140 Test wickets, while Prasidh's extra bounce and seam movement add another dimension to the attack. He has picked up 25 Test wickets so far and continues to improve with every outing. Completing the XI should be Kuldeep Yadav, whose left-arm wrist-spin could be a major weapon on spin-friendly surfaces. With 79 Test wickets, Kuldeep has the ability to trouble even the best batters through drift, turn, and variation.