Sri Lanka vs India 2017, 2nd Test: India's predicted XI

Lower-middle order

The surface at Colombo will aid Ashwin

Enjoying both confidence and success under Kohli, Hardik Pandya successfully graduated to the longest format at Galle, scoring a fifty on debut. He was under bowled, but is likely to play a more prominent role with the ball as he progresses further.

India’s premier spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, had an indifferent 50th Test, picking up one wicket in the first innings and three in the second. The dry surface could help him gather some turn off the pitch, an asset for any off-spinner in these conditions.

Currently ruling the roost at No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings, Ravindra Jadeja kept poking regular dents in the Lankan side, but the emergence of Kuldeep Yadav will make sure that the Saurashtra boy stays on his toes for the rest of the series. A substantial contribution with the bat would further help his case.