India vs Sri Lanka 2017: India's probable playing XI for first Test

Pacers

Umesh Yadav 2.0 has been much more accurate and menacing

Far from his inconsistent self that played the first half of his Test career, the new and improved Umesh Yadav has been a much needed breath of fresh air in the Indian bowling attack. Having corrected his radar, he now bowls closer to the stumps, at much more menacing lines and quicker pace. Yet again, he might edge out Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who keeps missing the cut despite fine showings whenever he gets a look-in.

A troublesome knee has failed to dampen the spirits of Mohammed Shami, who relentlessly keeps coming back in the team by defeating injuries. He was a regular feature, and his spells a game-changer, in the first half of the home season, before a nagging hamstring issue prevented him from playing Tests this year. Hopefully, his swinging deliveries will take centrestage this time, rather than an irksome fitness issue.