Here's how India's playing XI could look in the first Test against Sri Lanka

The Board of Control for India (BCCI) has announced the 18-man squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home. Players such as Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, and Wriddhiman Saha have been dropped. Kuldeep Yadav has made his comeback while Priyank Panchal, Jayant Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, who didn't play against South Africa in Tests, have been retained.

The axing of Pujara and Rahane has left the number three and five positions vacant. These players established themselves and won a lot of games for the team. The first game will be played in Mohali from March 4. Here, we will the possible playing XI for India in first Test

Probable playing XI for India against Sri Lanka

Rohit Sharma

Sharma has officially been appointed as the captain of the Test team.  The right-hander has established himself as one of the top openers in the world since the Test against England in August-September last year.

Mayank Agarwal

Agarwal has a great record in the 19 Tests he has played since making his debut in 2018. He has amassed 1429 runs averaging 43.30 with four hundred and six fifties with a top score of 243. He is most likely to partner Rohit at the top.

Shubman Gill

Gill has played as an opener for the team in the 10 Tests he has played. With Cheteshwar Pujara being dropped from the team, Gill can play at number three. As an opener he can adjust at this position.

Virat Kohli

The former skipper has batted at this position after Sachin Tendulkar's retirement. He has established himself at this position and will bat at 4.

Shreyas Iyer

In the absence of Rahane, Iyer looks the best candidate to bat at number five. In his debut game, he scored his maiden Test hundred batting at same position against New Zealand last year.

Rishabh Pant

Pant has been the preferred wicketkeeping choice in the team since his heroics in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year. He scored a century in his last innings in whites, which makes him a certainty in the team

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja missed the South Africa series due to an injury. However, he is fit and will be available for selection. He will play as a proper all-rounder in the team and is likely to bat at 7.

.Ravichandran Ashwin

The premium off-spinner is a must in the home conditions. However, his inclusion has been subjected to fitness.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav is making a comeback to the Indian team. He won't get many chances after this series thus the management will be keen to test him against a relatively weak Sri Lanka team.

Jasprit Bumrah

The lead pacer was rested from the limited-overs series against the West Indies. He will be fresh enough to play against the neighbours.

Mohammed Shami

Just like Bumrah, Shami was also rested and will be raring to go in the series.