India will come under some pressure heading into this two-Test series against Sri Lanka,  particularly given the recent numbers that the players will be aware of. Over their last 20  Test matches, India have recorded eight wins and 10 losses, while the defeat to South  Africa in the home series in November is another result that will understandably remain in  the minds of the players. With all of that in the background, these two Tests become  particularly important for India. 

However, the numbers can also be looked at from another perspective. India have an  excellent record in Sri Lanka in Test cricket, having won their last five Tests there. Galle, in  particular, represents a surface that has historically suited India, although it should also  offer plenty for the home side. That makes the contest an intriguing one, with both teams  likely to believe they have the tools to succeed. 

When looking at how the Test match could be won and lost, the key battle is likely to  revolve around which spin attack bowls better and which batting line-up handles spin  more effectively. That could prove decisive, particularly if the Galle surface plays in the  way it traditionally has. 

Having played and commentated in Galle, it is difficult to second-guess the surface before  seeing it. But if it plays in a similar way to what is generally expected, there is likely to be a  mixture of attacking and defensive fields. You can expect to see plenty of players around  the bat, particularly when the ball is turning, but there can also be defensive fields with  players positioned on the boundary. 

That creates an interesting middle ground for the batters. There can be opportunities to  knock the ball around for ones and twos, rotate the strike and relieve some of the pressure  when a spinner such as Prabath Jayasuriya is bowling well on a turning pitch. 

One of the most important things for the batters will be avoiding getting stuck at the same  end against a bowler like Prabath Jayasuriya. Facing him ball after ball and over after over  can allow the pressure to build, particularly when the ball is turning and there are players  

positioned around the bat. Instead, rotating the strike, picking up singles and twos and  running hard can be an effective way of building partnerships.

That approach can also help take the pressure off when the conditions become difficult.  Both teams are likely to be aware of the importance of keeping the scoreboard moving and  not allowing a good spell of spin bowling to completely dictate the game. 

For India, Shubman Gill has done an excellent job as leader, and this series will provide  another test for him. The batting line-up still looks strong, and if Devdutt Padikkal plays, he  could potentially bat at number three. 

One of the potential game-changers for India could be Rishabh Pant. The match-up with  the left-handers and the left-arm option of Jayasuriya could work in India’s favour. With  four left-handers potentially featuring in India’s top seven, including Ravindra Jadeja, there  is an interesting dynamic when facing a left-arm spinner. 

Pant, therefore, could play a particularly important role for India. His ability to change the  momentum of a game makes him a player to watch, especially in conditions where the  batting side needs to find ways of putting pressure back on the bowlers. 

Jadeja could also have a central role, particularly with the ball. His ability to keep things  tight and bowl wicket-to-wicket could be important on a surface where the ball can hold or  turn. He could prove difficult to handle in those conditions, while his all-round ability with  the bat gives India another important option. 

Both teams, however, are dealing with injuries, and that adds another layer of uncertainty  to the series. India will be without players such as Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah,  along with a number of other injuries. Sri Lanka also have some important players  unavailable, including Kusal Mendis and Nissanka. 

For Sri Lanka, the focus could therefore fall heavily on Dinesh Chandimal, who is expected  to bat at number three. He is a top player and has an excellent record against India. He  averages around 50 in a significant number of Test matches and has made important  contributions against India in the past. Given the circumstances facing Sri Lanka, his role  could be particularly important. If he can produce a big innings, he could give the home  side the platform they need. 

The Galle Test itself is also a significant occasion, with the venue hosting its 50th Test  match. Sri Lanka have won 27 of their 49 Tests at the ground so far, which is an impressive  record and one that India will have to overcome.

Sri Lanka’s batting line-up still has plenty of quality. Kamindu Mendis is expected to bat at  number four, while Dickwella is set to return after being away from the game for three years  because of problems off the field. His comeback will be an interesting one. 

Sri Lanka could also have an important spin option in Keshara Nuwantha if he plays. He  could have a significant role against India’s left-handers, making his inclusion one worth  watching. 

But the biggest threat with the ball for Sri Lanka is likely to be Prabath Jayasuriya. His  record is remarkable, with 125 wickets in 23 Test matches. Even more significantly, 81 of  those wickets have come at Galle. He is a bowler who knows how to operate on the  surface and understands how to extract the most from the conditions. 

That makes Jayasuriya a major factor in the series. His ability to bowl on a turning pitch and  build pressure with players around the bat could cause India problems. At the same time,  the presence of several left-handers in India’s top seven could make the match-up against  the left-arm spinner particularly interesting. 

That is why there are several different scenarios that could play out during the Test. India  have the experience of winning their last five Tests in Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka have an  impressive record at Galle and will have the advantage of familiarity with the conditions. 

If Sri Lanka can show resilience with the bat and produce a big first innings, they could give  themselves a very good opportunity to win the Test. The importance of that first innings  could be significant, particularly if the pitch begins to offer more assistance to the spinners  as the match progresses. 

For India, the challenge will be to make their batting line-up count against Sri Lanka’s spin  attack while ensuring their own spinners can put the home batters under pressure.  Rotating the strike, avoiding getting stuck at one end and building partnerships could all  become crucial as the game develops. 

It is a tough one to call, but that is also what makes the series fascinating. The battle  between the two spin attacks, the ability of the respective batting line-ups to handle  turning conditions and the way the key players respond to the pressure could ultimately  determine which side comes out on top.