One Win, Two Big Questions: Can Gill and Jaiswal Deliver India’s Overseas Series Breakthrough?

India will aim to seal their first overseas Test series victory in three years when they face Sri Lanka in the second and final Test, beginning at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Sunday.

After a convincing 165-run win in the opening Test at Galle, India have a chance to complete a 2-0 clean sweep and boost their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

India's last Test series win away from home came against the West Indies in July 2023. Since then, they have lost in Australia and drawn series in South Africa and England, while home defeats to New Zealand and South Africa added pressure on the team.

The Galle victory has provided a timely lift, but attention will now turn to captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, both searching for a substantial innings.

Gill has scored two centuries in his last six innings and has been prolific since becoming captain, amassing 1,100 runs in 10 Tests at an average above 73. However, his dismissals against left-arm spin remain a concern after falling twice to Prabath Jayasuriya in the first Test.

Jaiswal, meanwhile, has managed only one fifty in his last eight innings since his century against West Indies last year. The opener spent extra time in the nets working on his tendency to play risky cuts and chips against deliveries outside the off stump.

India could also consider a bowling change after Kuldeep Yadav managed just one wicket in 25 overs at Galle. Off-spinner Saransh Jain is an option, especially with Sri Lanka expected to field several left-handed batters.

Sri Lanka will hope potential inclusions such as Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige strengthen their batting after a disappointing first Test.

A victory could lift India to fourth place in the WTC standings, while also giving Gill his first overseas Test series triumph as captain.