Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has said that Ravindra Jadeja's hard-earned experience on spin-friendly surfaces will be indispensable for India during the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka, beginning 15 August in Galle. With a large portion of the current squad making their first red-ball visit to the island nation, Dasgupta argued that Jadeja's ability to read and exploit turning tracks could prove decisive.

Why Jadeja Stands Apart in This Squad

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Thursday, Dasgupta pointed out that only Jadeja and KL Rahul carry prior Test experience in Sri Lanka. Rahul toured with India in 2015 and 2017, while Jadeja was part of the 2017 tour on which India sealed a dominant 3-0 series victory. For the rest of the squad, this will be uncharted territory in red-ball cricket.

'If we talk about experience, this is the first Test series for many players in Sri Lanka. I think Jadeja is a player who has played before,' Dasgupta said. He stressed that bowling on turning pitches is far from straightforward: 'Even on spin-friendly pitches, it's not like you come and hit the ball, and you get the wicket. Instead, for excelling there, a need for varying speed, line, and length is needed.'

The Art of Bowling on Turning Tracks

Dasgupta drew an analogy with pace bowling to underline the nuance required on spin-friendly surfaces. Just as fast bowlers can be tempted to pitch short on green tops and miss the real threat of lateral movement, spinners too can misread what a turning pitch demands. 'Even on spin-friendly pitches, it's an art to know the right line and length to bowl, which then offers turn,' he said. He added that Jadeja not only possesses this knowledge but has a responsibility to pass it on to younger teammates.

Kuldeep Yadav's Workload and Gambhir's Coaching Style

Dasgupta also commented on wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who recently played five matches for Yorkshire in England's One-Day Cup, claiming nine wickets in the process. He suggested that Kuldeep's light workload in early practice sessions — where the spinner focused on batting rather than bowling — was a deliberate measure to manage fatigue after a demanding back-to-back schedule. 'I think he bowled a lot and must be a little tired. That's why they are giving him a break,' Dasgupta said, adding that Kuldeep would likely resume bowling within a couple of days.

He also praised head coach Gautam Gambhir's hands-on presence during India's extended practice session on Wednesday at Colombo's NCC Ground. Dasgupta noted that Gambhir was himself a highly accomplished player of spin during his career and is well-placed to guide the squad. 'It's a good time for him to spend time with the players. He will be able to share their experiences and techniques. Instead of practice sessions, I will call it a preparation camp,' he said.

Series Schedule and the Bigger WTC Picture

After a three-day practice match at the NCC Ground from 7 to 9 August, India will travel to Galle for the first Test on 15 August. The second and final Test is scheduled at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from 23 to 27 August.

Dasgupta tied the tour's preparation to India's broader ambitions in the World Test Championship (WTC), where the side currently sits fifth in the standings. He argued that performing well on turning tracks abroad — not just at home — is a key developmental priority. 'Especially on spinning tracks, we know how it is at home. That is an area of development and needs a lot of work. I'm glad that they are doing it,' he concluded.