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The Vikings’ Weakest Links Are Pretty Easy to Spot

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A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the field before a game at Lambeau Field.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests on the field during pregame warmups before a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The scene captures Minnesota’s sideline as players prepared for another NFC North showdown in Green Bay. Sept. 29, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Minnesota Vikings’ roster construction is pretty much complete for 2026, save for a few free agents who could be added here and between now and September. Therefore, it’s time to glance at the team’s weak spots — areas that could be addressed in free agency or just remain somewhat lacking entering the regular season.

The following list ranks the weak spots in ascending order (No. 1 = weakest spot).

Vikings’ Lingering Roster Questions Start in the Trenches

Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne answers questions from reporters during ACC Media Days in Charlotte. Vikings roster weak spots
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne speaks with reporters during ACC Media Days on Jul. 23, 2025, at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown in Charlotte. The productive college running back discussed the upcoming season before eventually beginning his NFL journey. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.

3. Proven Youth at Running Back

Did the Vikings draft a rookie running back in April? They sure did. Does anyone know if that 6th-Rounder will be any good? They do not.

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Demond Claiborne has looked good to start the summer, but as a 6th-Rounder, there’s just not much precedent for him to thrive as an eventual bellcow RB1. His upside could be that of an RB2, based on his draft stock. He certainly has the speed — 4.37 — for the job, but folks will monitor his rookie season to see if he has the vision and ability to break tackles that is needed for full NFL staying power.

RotoBaller‘s Will Brady noted this week, “Neither Jones Sr. nor Mason is currently under contract with the Vikings beyond the 2026 season. Claiborne is undersized for an NFL running back, but he brings a speed element that could allow him to establish himself as a key piece of the Minnesota offense going forward.”

“Given the clear long-term opportunity available in the Vikings backfield, Claiborne profiles as a worthy late-round dart throw for dynasty managers in rookie drafts.”

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Meanwhile, Minnesota has not employed a difference-making young running back since Dalvin Cook, whose career began nine years ago. The Vikings had 16 consecutive years with Adrian Peterson and Cook; it feels like they’ve paid the piper since 2023, with average running back output.

The coach is also accountable. Kevin O’Connell, a former quarterback, has refused to run the ball at a balanced rate, preferring to throw the rock, often when his team falls behind on the scoreboard.

Minnesota could’ve taken a more serious approach to finding a young running back; there were plenty of options in the 2025 NFL Draft that they brushed aside. Therefore, there’s a lot of hope that Claiborne can become the real deal. If that doesn’t pan out, Minnesota will roll with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, while fans wonder if it will ever spend meaningful draft capital on a running back anytime soon.

2. OLB Depth Compared to Recent Seasons

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The Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles on the second night of the draft, in addition to a 7th-Rounder, for two 3rd-Rounders. One of those picks was spent on safety Jakobe Thomas; the other will live in the draft cabinet until 2027.

That night, Minnesota’s OLB depth chart went from a roster strength — Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner — to a possible weakness. Can Van Ginkel stay healthy for 17 games? Is Turner ready to fulfill his 1st-Round draft stock from 2024?

BYU defensive end Tyler Batty speaks with reporters during Big 12 Media Days at Allegiant Stadium. Vikings roster weak spots
BYU defensive end Tyler Batty meets with the media during Big 12 Media Days on Jul. 10, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The veteran pass rusher discussed the Cougars’ upcoming campaign before his final collegiate season. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images.

Behind the pair live Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and UDFA rookie Cam’Ron Stewart. Defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins may receive EDGE snaps this season, and the Vikings coaches have claimed that 2nd-Rounder Jake Golday can play off the EDGE as well.

But none of those options pack the punch of Greenard. Fans will merely hope that the OLB3 spot is taken care of by an unknown commodity, whether that’s Richter, Batty, Stewart, Ingram-Dawkins, or Golday.

Until further notice, the supreme OLB depth is gone. The club could also sign a free agent like Jadveon Clowney, Leonard Floyd, or Von Miller, to name a few examples.

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1. The Starting Center

The Vikings passed on these centers in free agency:

  • Tyler Biadasz (Washington Commanders)
  • Lloyd Cushenberry (Buffalo Bills)
  • Luke Fortner (Carolina Panthers)
  • Elgton Jenkins (Cleveland Browns)
  • Cade Mays (Detroit Lions)
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel during the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Vikings roster weak spots
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) takes the field during the NFL International Series on Oct. 2, 2022, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The versatile lineman appeared in Minnesota’s overseas matchup while continuing to serve in multiple offensive line roles. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images.

From the draft, many expected Minnesota to spend a 2nd-, 3rd-, or 4th-Round pick on one, but that didn’t materialize, either. Instead, these top prospects went elsewhere:

  • Jake Slaughter (Los Angeles Chargers)
  • Connor Lew (Cincinnati Bengals)
  • Sam Hecht (Carolina Panthers)
  • Logan Jones (Chicago Bears)

So, it’s Blake Brandel time at center, a man who logged over 300 snaps at the position last season when Ryan Kelly missed games and fired up a 61.4 Pro Football Focus grade as a whole. Brandel could be fantastic at center and continued to improve. He could be mediocre. Or, by midseason or so, Minnesota might be ready to give rookie Gavin Gerhardt a look or tap on third-year center Michael Jurgens’s shoulder.

Center is not a position of strength from a June standpoint, unless Brandel surprises everyone.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino scraps controversial World Cup investment plan – Sports

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino was met with unprecedented backlash following his proposal for the structural reform of the World Cup. Under pressure, he announced that he was withdrawing his plan to sell part of the tournament to private investors. This proposal caused quite a stir internally and even led some members of his team to resign in protest.

Emerse Faé’s contract as manager of the In Ivory Coast’s Elephants expires on August 1. The Ivorian Football Federation has announced that it will not be renewing his contract. He will therefore step down, having led the team to victory in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and guided the Ivorians to a historic run at this summer’s World Cup. In Italy, the football world is mourning one of its legends: Franco Baresi, who died at the age of 66.

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Wiebes wins Tour de France Femmes opener to win first yellow jersey

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Lorena Wiebes sprinted to victory on the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes in Lausanne on Saturday to claim the race leader’s yellow jersey.

The 27-year-old Dutch rider beat Mauritian Kim Le Court into second with European champion Demi Vollering third.

Sprint specialist Wiebes, a two-time former European champion, leads the overall standings by four seconds from Le Court and six seconds to Vollering thanks to bonus seconds on the line.

This was Wiebes’s 10th Tour stage victory overall and the 132nd victory of her career.

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Amongst the likely overall contenders, Vollering stole a march on some of her rivals by taking four bonus seconds on the line.

That gave her an advantage over the last two winners of this race, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and Kasia Niewiadoma, who finished eighth and ninth respectively in the same time as the stage winner.

Other potential contenders, Paula Blasi and Anna van der Breggen conceded an extra eight seconds to Vollering, coming home in 12th and 13th.

Read moreTour de France 2026 routes feature peaks, passes and Montmartre

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Four riders had escaped up the road early on in the 138km stage around Lausanne.

Czech Nikola Noskova, Spaniard Idoia Eraso, Dutch rider Maud Rijnbeek and Frenchwoman Oceane Mahe built up a maximum lead of six minutes but they were reeled in 6km from the finish.

Sunday’s second stage remains in Switzerland and is a hilly 147.9km from Aigle to Geneva.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP) 

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Commonwealth Games 2026 Live Updates | Day 10 CWG 2026 India Medal Tally: Sakshi Chaudhary, Priya Ghanghas, Arundhati Choudhary Script History With Gold Medals, India Eyes 4 More In Boxing

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ATHLETICS

Men’s Triple Jump Final: Praveen Chithravel, Selva Prabhu Thirumaran at 2.40 PM.

Women’s 10,000m Race Walk Final: Priyanka Goswami, Ravina Gayakwad at 3.00 PM.

Men’s Pole Vault Final: Dev Kumar Meena, Kuldeep Kumar at 11.35 PM.

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Men’s 5000m Final: Gulveer Singh at 12.15 AM (August 2).

Mixed 4x400m Relay Final at 1.50 AM (August 2).

PARA ATHLETICS

Men’s Shot Put F57 Final: Soman Rana, Shubham Juyal at 2.35 PM.

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Men’s 1500m T54 Final: Ramesh Shanmugam at 2.50 PM.

BOXING

Women’s 54kg Final: Preeti at 3.30 PM.

Women’s 57kg Final: Jaismine at 3.45 PM.

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Men’s 55kg Final: Jadumani Singh Mandengbam at 4.45 PM.

Women’s 51kg Final: Sakshi at 9.00 PM.

Women’s 60kg Final: Priya at 9.15 PM.

Women’s 70kg Final: Arundhati Choudhary at 9.45 PM.

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Women’s 75kg Final: Lovlina Borgohain at 10.15 PM.

Men’s 60kg Final: Sachin at 10.45 PM.

Men’s 80kg Final: Ankush Panghal at 11.15 PM.

Men’s 90 kg Final: Narender at 11.45 PM.

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JUDO

Women’s 63kg Round of 16: Unnati Sharma at 3.30 PM onwards.

Men’s 90kg Round of 16: Karanjit Singh Maan.

Men’s 81kg Quarterfinal: Harsh Tokas.

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Women’s 70kg Quarterfinal: Inunganbi Takhellambam.

TRACK CYCLING

Men’s Sprint Qualifying: David Beckham, Ronaldo Singh, Rojit Singh at 2.30 PM.

Men’s 10km Scratch Race Qualifying: Harshveer Singh Sekhon, Dinesh Kumar at 4.19 PM.

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LAWN BOWLS

Men’s Pairs Sectional Play: Navneet Singh & Dinesh Kumar at 3.50 PM.

Women’s Singles Sectional Play: Nayanmoni Saikia at 10.20 PM

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CWG 2026: Priya Ghanghas defeats Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh to win Women’s 60kg Boxing Gold | Commonwealth Games News

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CWG 2026: Priya Ghanghas defeats Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh to win Women's 60kg Boxing Gold

India’s Priya Ghanghas added another gold to the country’s remarkable boxing campaign, defeating Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh by a 4-1 split decision in the women’s 60kg final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Saturday. The victory marked India’s fourth boxing gold medal of the day, continuing the nation’s dominance inside the ring at Glasgow 2026.

Al-Ahmadieh edges the opening round

Priya entered the bout with a clear height and reach advantage, while Al-Ahmadieh looked to close the distance with aggressive attacks. The Indian boxer landed several clean punches with greater efficiency, but the Canadian finished the round strongly. The judges narrowly favoured Al-Ahmadieh, awarding her the opening round by a 3-2 split decision.The second round saw Priya struggle to find her rhythm initially as Al-Ahmadieh continued to press forward. Despite appearing fatigued at times, the Indian relied on well-timed counter punches and produced a strong finish to the round. Her late surge impressed the judges, who scored it 4-1 in her favour, setting up a winner-takes-all final round.

Split decision seals another gold for India

With the title on the line, both boxers came out aggressively in the final round. Priya started brightly before Al-Ahmadieh responded with several solid combinations in a fiercely contested exchange. The Indian continued to throw powerful punches despite showing signs of exhaustion, while the crowd created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the closing moments.The judges’ scorecards reflected the intensity of the bout. Three judges awarded the contest to Priya by margins of 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27, while one judge scored it 29-28 in favour of the Canadian. The split verdict ultimately went India’s way, sealing another boxing gold for the country in Glasgow.She joined Sakshi, Jaismine and Preeti, who won gold medals earlier in the day, to continue India’s superb run in the Commonwealth Games 2026.

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CWG 2026: Five and counting! Priya, Sakshi power India’s boxing gold hunt | Other Sports News

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Team India continued its extraordinary boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow as Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary added two more gold medals to the country’s tally, taking India’s boxing gold count to four after a sensational day in the ring.

 


Earlier in the day, Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria had clinched gold medals in the women’s 54kg and 57kg categories respectively, while Jadumani Singh settled for silver in the men’s 55kg final.

 

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For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, all 10 Indian boxers who had assured themselves medals progressed to the gold medal bouts, highlighting India’s dominance in Glasgow.

 


Full list of India’s medal winners in boxing at the Commonwealth Games 2026:


Weight category

Boxer

Medal

Result

Women’s 54kg

Preeti Pawar

Gold medal

Won final by 5-0

Women’s 57kg

Jaismine Lamboria

Gold medal

Won final by 5-0

Women’s 60kg

Sakshi Chaudhary

Gold medal

Won final by 5-0

Women’s 65kg

Arundhati Choudhary

Gold/Silver

TBD

Women’s 70kg

Priya Ghanghas

Gold medal

Won final by 4-1

Women’s 75kg

Lovlina Borgohain

Gold/Silver

TBD

Men’s 50kg

Hitesh

Gold/Silver

TBD

Men’s 65kg

Abhinash Jamwal

Gold/Silver

TBD

Men’s 55kg

Jadumani Singh

Silver Medal

Lost final by 5-0

Men’s 90kg

Narender

Gold/Silver

TBD
 


India surpass Birmingham’s golden haul

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Indian boxing has already improved on its performance from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

 


Four years ago, India returned with seven medals, including three golds, one silver and three bronze from a 12-member contingent. Glasgow has already witnessed India surpass that gold tally with four titles, while several finals still remain.

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The country’s medal conversion rate has also improved significantly, underlining the remarkable progress of Indian boxing on the international stage.

 


How India’s golden day unfolded 

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Preeti Pawar outclasses Scarlett Delgado

 


Preeti Pawar gave India the perfect start by defeating Canada’s Scarlett Delgado via unanimous decision to win the women’s 54kg gold medal.

 

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The World No. 3 controlled proceedings from the opening bell with sharp footwork and crisp combinations before forcing Delgado into a standing count in the second round. She comfortably closed out the contest as all five judges awarded her the bout.

 


Jaismine Lamboria lives up to world champion billing

 

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Reigning world champion Jaismine Lamboria followed it up by defeating Northern Ireland’s Michaela Walsh in the women’s 57kg final.

 


After edging a closely-fought opening round, Jaismine completely dominated the second with precise punching and intelligent movement before comfortably seeing out the contest to secure India’s second gold of the day by unanimous decision.

 

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Jadumani Singh settles for silver

 


India’s winning run briefly paused in the men’s 55kg final as Jadumani Singh went down to Australia’s Jye Dixon.

 

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Jadumani made a bright start and edged the opening round before Dixon responded strongly in the second with accurate counter-punching. Despite a spirited finish from the Indian, the Australian claimed the gold through a unanimous decision, leaving Jadumani with a well-deserved silver medal.

 


Priya Ghanghas delivers India’s third gold

 

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India returned to the top step of the podium thanks to Priya Ghanghas, who edged Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh in a fiercely contested women’s 60kg final.

 


The bout remained evenly poised heading into the final round, with both boxers exchanging heavy punches in front of a vocal crowd. Despite showing visible signs of fatigue, Priya continued to attack until the final bell.

 

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The judges eventually awarded the Indian a 4-1 split-decision victory, sparking loud celebrations among the Indian supporters as she secured India’s third boxing gold of the day.

 


Sakshi Chaudhary makes it four

 

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Sakshi Chaudhary ensured India’s golden run continued by defeating England’s Ruby White in the women’s 51kg final.

 


The Indian remained in complete control throughout the contest, successfully neutralising White’s attacks with solid defensive work before landing sharp right-hand counters. Even as the English boxer attempted to mount a late comeback, Sakshi stayed composed and dictated the pace.

 

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When the final bell rang, the judges unanimously declared Sakshi the winner, handing India its fourth boxing gold medal of the Games. The two boxers embraced after the bout in a show of mutual respect, bringing an end to another commanding performance from the Indian.

 


More golds still up for grabs

 

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India’s remarkable boxing campaign is far from over.

 


With Lovlina Borgohain, Arundhati Choudhary, Sachin Siwach, Ankush Panghal and Narender Berwal still scheduled to contest their respective finals, India has an opportunity to finish with its greatest-ever boxing medal haul at the Commonwealth Games.

 

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Samuel Ogazi Wins 400m Gold for Nigeria at Commonwealth Games

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Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi has won the men’s 400 metres gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after producing a strong performance in the final.

Ogazi crossed the finish line in 44.25 seconds to claim the Commonwealth title and add another gold medal to Team Nigeria’s growing medal tally.

The Nigerian took control of the race on the final bend before pulling away from his rivals in the home straight to win comfortably.

  • Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Emilio Okoye, has earned a spot in Serie A's Team of the Week following an outstanding performance in their recent match against Atalanta.Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Emilio Okoye, has earned a spot in Serie A's Team of the Week following an outstanding performance in their recent match against Atalanta.

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Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards finished second in 44.82 seconds to take silver, while South Africa’s Zakithi Nene won bronze after clocking 45.21 seconds.

Ogazi’s victory adds another major athletics medal to Nigeria’s impressive campaign in Glasgow and further highlights the country’s strength in sprint events.

Fellow Nigerian Edidiong Okon Udo also featured in the final but finished eighth in 45.81 seconds.

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The gold medal is another major achievement in Ogazi’s developing career and further establishes him as one of the leading 400m runners in the Commonwealth.

His impressive performance was one of the highlights of the athletics programme, as Nigeria continued to combine strong results in athletics and weightlifting at the Games.

For Ogazi, the Commonwealth title is a major step forward and another sign of Nigeria’s continued success on the international athletics stage.

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Those making the team did not see him

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Former wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta remarked that Kuldeep Yadav has to be in the playing XI for the upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka at all costs, as opposed to his recent track record in terms of selection. The left-arm spinner missed out on the T20I squads for the England and Ireland tour as well as the Asian Games 2026. While he was named in the ODI squad, he did not get a chance during the 1-2 series loss against Harry Brook and co.

Kuldeep Yadav was not even considered for selection when both Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar were ruled out of the series finale against England. On that occasion, the team management went with a four-pronged seam attack, but ended up losing the contest after conceding 387 in the first innings.

Since then, Kuldeep Yadav has been on a solid run for Yorkshire in the Royal One-Day Cup. The spinner picked up eight wickets in four matches, gathering some serious momentum ahead of the Test series in Sri Lanka.

Deep Dasgupta stated that the team management did not agree with the fans and pundits’ opinion of Kuldeep Yadav, and backs him to be in the playing XI in Sri Lanka.

“Kuldeep Yadav has to be in the playing XI, has to be. I was expecting him to be in the playing XI for that third ODI against England at Lord’s. Not only me, but a lot of the others were expecting him to be seen. Unfortunately, those making the team did not see him, that is a different issue,” Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.

Kuldeep Yadav has featured in one Test in Sri Lanka in his career, where he picked up five wickets. It was also his first overseas appearance after a strong debut during the 2016-17 Border-Gavaskar series against Australia.

“Opportunity to play with even four spinners” – Deep Dasgupta backs bold bowling combination for SL vs IND 2026 Tests

The former India cricketer believes that the team management may have to think about fielding as many as four spinners in the squad, since the conditions might demand so.

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“I think it is a good squad, based on the conditions there are more spinners than seamers. So, there is an opportunity to play with even four spinners, because it has happened it in the past as well, where both Sri Lanka and their opposition have walked out with four spinners. So, I think it was important to have that extra spin bowling option in the squad,” Dasgupta said.

“I think the squad was along expected lines, to be fair. Ideally, Washington Sundar would have been the first-choice off-spinner, but he is not there because of injury. I can’t think of any name that should have been in the squad, but is not there,” he concluded.

Team India handed off-spinner Saransh Jain his maiden national call-up after the injury to Sundar during the ODI series in England. The visitors also have other options like Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar in the squad.