The India and Sri Lanka Test rivalry is set to resume with a two-match series beginning on August 15, 2026, in Galle. This series is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, with both teams facing significant selection changes due to injuries ahead of the opening match.
Shubman Gill will captain India, having been declared fit after a finger injury. Sri Lanka will be led by Dhananjaya de Silva and have made several squad adjustments due to injuries affecting key batters.
Squad Changes and Injury Concerns
India’s original 15-member squad saw multiple changes. Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to a left-knee injury, leading to the call-up of uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi. Nabi, a seam bowler from Jammu & Kashmir, has been a notable performer in India’s domestic circuit, taking 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in 2025-26, where he was named Player of the Tournament as J&K secured their maiden title. His inclusion as Bumrah’s replacement offers him an early opportunity on the international stage.
Washington Sundar is also unavailable for the first Test due to a hamstring injury, with uncapped off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain added to the squad. Additionally, Sai Sudharsan was ruled out with a right-toe stress reaction, and Sarfaraz Khan was brought back into the Test squad.
India’s updated Test squad includes:
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- KL Rahul (vice-captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Manav Suthar
- Saransh Jain
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Gurnoor Brar
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Auqib Nabi
The squad blends established Test players with uncapped options. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav provide spin experience, while Saransh Jain offers another off-spin choice.
For Sri Lanka, Niroshan Dickwella returns to the Test setup after last playing in the format in 2023. He is part of Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the Galle Test. Dhananjaya de Silva continues as captain, with Kamindu Mendis as his deputy.
Sri Lanka’s squad also features a maiden Test call-up for Keshara Nuwantha, and Pasindu Sooriyabandara could also make his Test debut. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has rejoined the Test squad, having made his only previous appearance in 2023.
Sri Lanka’s injury concerns include the absence of key batters Kusal Mendis, who has a hamstring injury, and Pathum Nissanka, also unavailable due to injury. The return of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal aims to provide a senior presence in the middle order.
Sri Lanka squad:
- Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
- Lahiru Udana
- 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
Players to Watch and Series Context
Several players will be looking to make an impact in the series. Manav Suthar, a 23-year-old left-arm spinning all-rounder, earned his place after a strong Test debut against Afghanistan in June 2026, where he took a seven-wicket match haul. With Ravindra Jadeja, aged 37, returning to the squad after missing the Afghanistan series, Suthar will aim to demonstrate his capabilities alongside a senior spinner in subcontinental conditions.
Rishabh Pant, an experienced wicket-keeper batter, will also be looking to re-establish himself. His last Test appearance was in November 2025 against South Africa. Pant scored 81 against Afghanistan in June, indicating his form in the longer format. During a warm-up match against the Sri Lanka XI from August 7 to 9, 2026, Pant faced 21 dot balls before hitting a six, suggesting he is regaining his rhythm for the Test series.
The opening Test at Galle International Stadium is expected to favor spin bowlers, making the contest between the spin options of both teams crucial. India has several spin choices in Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Saransh Jain. Sri Lanka can rely on Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, and Keshara Nuwantha.
Historically, India has a strong record against Sri Lanka in Test cricket, winning 22 of the 46 Tests played, compared to Sri Lanka’s seven victories, with 17 draws. However, this series marks a new chapter for both teams, with India under Gill’s leadership and without Bumrah, and Sri Lanka missing two key batters.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium from August 15 to 19, with the second Test at the SSC in Colombo from August 23 to 27. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM IST.
The series will conclude on August 27.
Source: outlookindia.com
