Dubey, Kotian, Nigam, Shivang join India as net bowlers for SL Test
Synopsis
India have drafted four spin specialists — Dubey, Kotian, Nigam, and Shivang — as net bowlers in Colombo ahead of the Galle Test on 15 August. All four carry credible domestic and 'A'-level credentials, making this less a routine net arrangement and more a structured audition for India's spinning future.
Key Takeaways
Harsh Dubey , Tanush Kotian , Vipraj Nigam , and Shivang Kumar have joined India as net bowlers in Colombo ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series.
The BCCI confirmed the appointments on 5 August as the Shubman Gill -led squad began practice at the NCC Ground .
A three-day practice match is scheduled at the NCC Ground from 7 to 9 August before the team moves to Galle.
The first Test begins on 15 August at the Galle International Stadium ; the second Test runs from 23 to 27 August at the Sinhalese Sports Club .
Shivang Kumar previously served as a net bowler for India ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh in June.
Tanush Kotian was called up as a replacement for the retired Ravichandran Ashwin during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy .
Four spin specialists — Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, and Shivang Kumar — have joined the Indian cricket team in Colombo as net bowlers ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on 15 August at the Galle International Stadium. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Wednesday, 5 August, as the Shubman Gill-led squad commenced its opening practice sessions at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground in Colombo.
BCCI Confirms the Quartet's Role
In an official update, the BCCI stated: 'Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian and Vipraj Nigam have joined the Indian squad as net bowlers to assist the team in the build up to the first Test against Sri Lanka.' While none of the four are expected to feature in the playing eleven under normal circumstances, the assignment provides a significant developmental opportunity against international-level preparation.
Who Are the Four Net Bowlers
Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spin bowling all-rounder from Vidarbha, made his ODI debut against Afghanistan earlier this year. He has also been part of squads for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, a 50-over game against England, and a T20I series in Zimbabwe.
Tanush Kotian, Mumbai's off-spinner, has been a consistent domestic performer over the past two seasons. He was drafted into the India squad as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, after Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket following the third match in Brisbane.
Vipraj Nigam, a leg-spin bowling all-rounder, represented Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before strengthening his case for higher honours during India 'A's 50-over tri-series in Sri Lanka in June. Shivang Kumar, a left-arm wrist-spinner who plays domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh and turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, previously served as a net bowler for India in the lead-up to the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh in June.
India's Preparation Schedule in Sri Lanka
Before the Test series gets underway, the Indian team will participate in a three-day practice match at the NCC Ground in Colombo from 7 to 9 August. The squad will then travel to Galle for the first Test, starting 15 August. The second Test is set to be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club from 23 to 27 August.
What This Means for India's Spin Bench
The inclusion of four specialist spinners as net bowlers underscores India's focus on replicating Sri Lanka's turning conditions in the build-up to the series. Notably, all four have active domestic or 'A'-level pedigrees, signalling that the team management views this stint as part of a structured pathway rather than a routine logistical exercise. This is the second time Shivang Kumar has been tasked with net duties for the senior side, reflecting continued investment in his development.
Point of View
One of the most spin-friendly venues in world cricket. What stands out is the quality of the quartet: Kotian was already in a Test squad, Dubey has international caps, and Nigam and Shivang have strong 'A'-circuit credentials. This is less a support role and more a live audition. With Ashwin retired and India's spin department in transition, how these four perform in the nets — and whether any earn a call-up mid-series — is a subplot worth tracking.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the four net bowlers who joined the Indian team in Colombo?
The four net bowlers are spin-bowling all-rounders Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam, along with left-arm wrist-spinner Shivang Kumar. They joined the Shubman Gill-led squad in Colombo on 5 August ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
When and where is the first India vs Sri Lanka Test in 2025?
The first Test between India and Sri Lanka begins on 15 August at the Galle International Stadium. It will be followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club from 23 to 27 August.
Will any of the four net bowlers play in the Test matches?
All four are net bowlers and are not expected to feature in the playing eleven under normal circumstances. However, exceptional situations — such as injury to a squad member — could alter that, as the BCCI has not ruled out their inclusion entirely.
What is Tanush Kotian's background in Indian cricket?
Tanush Kotian is an off-spinner from Mumbai who has been a consistent domestic performer over the past two seasons. He was called into the India squad as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Ashwin retired from international cricket following the third Test in Brisbane.
Has Shivang Kumar served as a net bowler for India before?
Yes, Shivang Kumar previously served as a net bowler for the Indian team in the lead-up to the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh in June. The left-arm wrist-spinner, who represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, also played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026.
