Three spinners the way to go in Galle: Morne Morkel

Kolkata: India could spring a significant selection surprise in the first Test at Galle, with the possibility of fielding three left-arm spinners in Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar. Galle: India's Kuldeep Yadav during a training session ahead of the first test match.

(PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)(PTI08_13_2026_000374A) (PTI)Conditions in Galle have historically encouraged a more aggressive approach to spin. According to India bowling coach Morne Morkel, the three spinners may be different enough in their skill sets to justify playing them together.

What Happened

The key to this combination is that the three left-armers offer distinctly different threats. Jadeja is the metronomic option, capable of bowling long, accurate spells and building pressure.

• Morkel acknowledged that the Kookaburra ball can become softer after 20-35 overs, requiring fast bowlers to adapt rather than simply chase conventional methods.

• If India do opt for the three-spinner combination, the responsibility on the fast bowlers could become even more specialised.

• For India, the gamble would be less about choosing three similar bowlers and more about creating three different problems for the opposition.

Key Details

Suthar, by contrast, gets more turn and a different trajectory. Then there is Kuldeep, whose wrist-spin gives India the attacking dimension that neither of the orthodox left-arm spinners naturally provides.

• Morkel specifically highlighted the wrist-spinner’s experience and class, but there have been instances in the past where he had to sit out due to combination issues.

• Kuldeep’s presence is perhaps the most intriguing element.

• Suthar could provide another avenue of attack if the pitch begins to offer sharper turn.

Why It Matters

That differentiation could be particularly valuable at Galle, where the pitch can evolve considerably over five days. Morkel suggested that the surface looked good initially but expected the conditions to change as the Test progressed.

• Jadeja could be used to tie down one end while allowing Kuldeep to attack from the other.

• The selection, however, will ultimately depend on how captain Shubman Gill intends to deploy his resources.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Hindustan Times as more details emerge