The two-match Sri Lanka-India Test series gets underway on August 15, 2026, with both teams desperate for valuable points in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The series could prove crucial for their hopes of climbing the standings and keeping their WTC campaigns alive.

India currently sit fifth in the table with a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15%, while Sri Lanka are sixth at 41.67%. Both teams enter the contest looking to recover from disappointing recent results. India have endured home-series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa, whereas Sri Lanka recently lost their Test series against the West Indies 0-1.

For India, the series also marks the beginning of an important phase under captain Shubman Gill. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will be under pressure to help the side rebuild its red-ball setup while adapting to challenging, spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka.

India begin a new chapter under Shubman Gill

With several experienced names no longer part of the setup, Gill will lead India into a new era, with KL Rahul named as his deputy. The young captain will have to manage a squad that combines established performers with players looking to make their mark at Test level.

India have also been hit by some important absences. Jasprit Bumrah will miss the series because of injury, leaving Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to shoulder greater responsibility with the new ball. Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan has also been ruled out, with Sarfaraz Khan brought into the squad as his replacement. Meanwhile, uncapped Jammu & Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi has been added to the group in place of Bumrah.

Spin is expected to be central to India’s strategy in Sri Lanka. Ravindra Jadeja brings vast experience to the attack, while Kuldeep Yadav provides another major threat. Domestic performers Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain could also come into consideration if India opt for an attack heavily weighted towards spin.

Sri Lanka hope to make home conditions count

Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, will be confident about exploiting familiar conditions, particularly at Galle. The venue has traditionally offered considerable assistance to Sri Lankan spinners, making it a difficult environment for visiting batters.

The hosts have also made changes to their squad. Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella has returned to the Test setup after a three-year absence and could feature following Kusal Mendis‘ injury. Opening batter Pathum Nissanka is another notable absentee after undergoing wrist surgery.

Sri Lanka have meanwhile handed maiden Test call-ups to Pasindu Sooriyabandara and off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha. Their inclusion adds fresh options to a squad hoping to challenge India.

With both teams expected to rely heavily on their spinners, the battle on turning surfaces could ultimately determine the outcome. Sri Lanka will look towards experienced left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and off-spinner Ramesh Mendis to exploit the conditions, while India’s combination of Jadeja, Kuldeep and their emerging spin options gives them plenty of variety. With WTC points at stake and both sides eager to rebuild their campaigns, the series promises a fascinating contest in Galle.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts India’s playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka vs India, Test Series, Schedule:

Broadcast and Live Streaming details:

• India: Sony Sports Network; Sony LIV and DD Sports
• USA and Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here)
• South Africa: SS Grandstand
• Sri Lanka: Siyatha TV
• MENA: Sony MAX
• Bangladesh: T Sports
• Caribbean Island: Flow Sports
• Pakistan: Tapmad

Also READ: Ajinkya Rahane set to begin new role during SL vs IND Test series