India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026: Schedule, Squads & Venues

The India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 is a two-match contest in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The opening Test is being played at Galle International Stadium from 15–19 August, while the second Test is scheduled for 23–27 August at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

This is India’s first Test tour of Sri Lanka since 2017. The series brings together two teams seeking valuable World Test Championship points in conditions where surface deterioration, spin and careful first-innings batting can influence the result.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 Schedule

The fixtures were confirmed by the International Cricket Council and Sri Lanka Cricket. Both matches count towards the current World Test Championship.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 Venues

First Test: Galle International Stadium

Galle is traditionally associated with spin, but that description alone does not explain every Test played at the venue. Batters can score heavily when the surface is firm, while moisture or cloud cover may help seamers with the new ball.

As the match progresses, footmarks, surface wear and reduced pace off the pitch can make spin increasingly influential. Batting first can be valuable on a dry surface, although the actual pitch and weather must be inspected before making a firm prediction.

Read the detailed Galle International Stadium pitch report for the venue’s Test records, conditions and tactical guide.

Second Test: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo

The SSC Ground can provide a more balanced contest. Batters may benefit from consistent bounce early in the match, while seamers can find movement when there is grass, moisture or overcast weather. Spin generally becomes more important as the pitch wears.

Unlike a short-format match, a Test at SSC must be assessed session by session. The new ball, weather, workload of the bowlers and condition of the strip can all change the balance of the contest.

See our complete Sinhalese Sports Club Ground pitch report for Test records, spin trends and match-day factors.

Updated India Squad for the Sri Lanka Tests

India’s original selection changed because of injuries. Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a left-knee injury and Auqib Nabi was named as his replacement. Sai Sudharsan was subsequently ruled out, with Sarfaraz Khan joining the squad in his place.

• Shubman Gill (captain)
• KL Rahul (vice-captain)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
• Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Manav Suthar
• Saransh Jain
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Gurnoor Brar
• Auqib Nabi

Sri Lanka Squad for the India Test Series

• Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
• Lahiru Udara
• Nishan Madushka
• Kamindu Mendis
• Dinesh Chandimal
• Pasindu Sooriyabandara
• Sonal Dinusha
• Niroshan Dickwella
• Ramesh Mendis
• Prabath Jayasuriya
• Keshara Nuwantha
• Milan Rathnayake
• Asitha Fernando
• Lahiru Kumara
• Vishwa Fernando
• Dilshan Madushanka

A squad is not the same as the final playing XI. The selected eleven can change according to pitch conditions, player fitness and team balance. Always check the confirmed teams after the toss before making fantasy-cricket decisions.

Players to Watch

Shubman Gill

Gill leads India in an important away series. His ability to build long innings and manage India’s combination of batters, seamers and spin bowlers will be central to the visitors’ approach.

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja provides India with control, wicket-taking ability and lower-order batting. His accuracy and ability to exploit footmarks can become increasingly valuable later in a Test.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep offers a different spin angle through left-arm wrist-spin. His variations can be especially useful against batters attempting to defend for long periods.

Dhananjaya de Silva

Sri Lanka’s captain contributes with both bat and ball. His tactical decisions—particularly the timing of bowling changes and use of spin—could be crucial at Galle and Colombo.

Prabath Jayasuriya

Jayasuriya is one of Sri Lanka’s principal wicket-taking options in home Tests. His consistency and understanding of local surfaces make him a major threat when the pitch begins to deteriorate.

What Could Decide the Series?

First-innings batting

Teams that waste favourable early batting conditions can find it difficult to recover once the surface begins offering more turn. Long partnerships and disciplined shot selection should therefore be more valuable than quick but risky starts.

Performance against spin

Batters will need more than one method against spin. Using the crease, rotating the strike, defending with soft hands and choosing the correct ball to attack can reduce pressure.

New-ball wickets

Neither venue should automatically be treated as spin-only. Moisture, grass and overhead conditions can allow fast bowlers to influence the opening session before spin becomes the greater threat.

Lower-order runs

Runs from wicketkeepers, all-rounders and bowlers can change a close Test. Both teams possess players capable of extending an innings after the recognised batters have been dismissed.

World Test Championship Importance

Every Test in the India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 contributes points to the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. The ICC’s pre-series preview placed India fifth and Sri Lanka sixth in the standings, making the contest important for both teams’ chances of reaching the final.

Standings can change after every completed match. Readers should use the official ICC World Test Championship standings for the latest position rather than relying on an older screenshot or article.

How to Read the Match-Day Pitch Report

Do not make a prediction using only the venue’s historical reputation. On match day, check:

• The amount of grass on the selected strip
• Whether the surface looks dry, firm or cracked
• Recent rain and current moisture
• Cloud cover and humidity
• The expected weather over all five days
• The balance of seam and spin in each playing XI
• The captain’s comments at the toss

Our guide to reading a cricket pitch report explains how to combine these clues without treating any forecast as guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 start?

The series starts on 15 August 2026 with the first Test at Galle International Stadium.

How many Tests will India play in Sri Lanka in 2026?

India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two Test matches.

Where is the second India vs Sri Lanka Test?

The second Test is scheduled for 23–27 August 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

Who is India’s captain for the Sri Lanka Test series?

Shubman Gill is India’s captain, with KL Rahul named vice-captain.

Is Jasprit Bumrah playing in the series?

No. Bumrah was ruled out because he had not fully recovered from a left-knee injury. Auqib Nabi was named as his replacement.

Is the series part of the World Test Championship?

Yes. Both matches form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

Final Verdict

The India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 offers two different venue challenges. Galle can become increasingly spin-friendly as the match develops, while SSC Colombo may provide a more balanced contest before deterioration brings slow bowling into play.

Historical records provide useful context, but the selected strip, weather, toss and final playing XIs should determine the match-day assessment. This page will be updated if either board announces a further change to the schedule or squads.

Sources and Fact-Checking

• ICC: India set for Sri Lanka Test challenge
• ICC: India squad and Jasprit Bumrah injury update
• Sri Lanka Cricket: Official Test schedule