Introduction
The Indian cricket team is set to tour Sri Lanka in August 2026 for a crucial two-match Test series, marking their first red-ball assignment in the island nation since 2017. This series carries significant weight in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, with both teams vying for valuable points to improve their standings on the table.
India currently sits in fifth place with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.15 from nine matches. Shubman Gill’s side faces a pivotal moment in their WTC campaign, while Sri Lanka, positioned just behind in sixth with a PCT of 41.67, is equally desperate for points. Therefore, this series could prove decisive for both teams’ qualification hopes.
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Full Schedule & Venue Details
India will play one three-day warm-up match followed by two ICC World Test Championship fixtures. The tour runs from August 7 to August 27, 2026.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Warm-up | Aug 7-9, 2026 | NCC Ground, Colombo | 10:00 AM |
| 1st Test | Aug 15-19, 2026 | Galle International Stadium | 10:00 AM |
| 2nd Test | Aug 23-27, 2026 | Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo | 10:00 AM |
Note: The warm-up match was originally scheduled as a four-day fixture. However, Sri Lanka Cricket has reduced it to three days. Additionally, all matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on Sony LIV in India.
Venue Guide: What to Expect
Galle International Stadium
Galle offers one of cricket’s most picturesque settings, with its historic Dutch fort providing a stunning backdrop. The pitch is famous for its spin-friendly nature:
- Spin dominance:Â The surface progressively offers more turn as the match moves into day three and beyond
- Ideal strategy:Â Batting first is generally preferred; teams winning the toss often choose to put runs on the board before the pitch deteriorates
- Key match-up:Â India’s spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Saransh Jain will challenge Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis
Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo
Colombo’s SSC ground offers a contrast to Galle:
- Pace-friendly start:Â Good bounce and carry for fast bowlers on the first day
- Spin comes into play:Â As the match progresses, the surface takes turn, making batting increasingly challenging
- Strategic importance:Â The final Test at SSC could prove decisive if the series is level
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India vs Sri Lanka Squads
India Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (c) | Batsman |
| KL Rahul (vc) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batsman |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batsman |
| Sai Sudharsan | Batsman |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Sarfaraz Khan | Batsman |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| Saransh Jain | Spin Bowler |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spin Bowler |
| Manav Suthar | Spin Bowler |
| Mohammed Siraj | Pace Bowler |
| Prasidh Krishna | Pace Bowler |
| Gurnoor Brar | Pace Bowler |
| Auqib Nabi | Pace Bowler |
Key Absence: Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the series with a knee injury. Consequently, uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.
Sri Lanka Squad
Key players expected to feature for Sri Lanka include:
- Dhananjaya de Silva (c):Â The captain will be crucial with both bat and ball
- Prabath Jayasuriya:Â Lead spinner expected to exploit Galle’s conditions
- Ramesh Mendis:Â Spin partner who will share the bowling load
- Dinesh Chandimal:Â Experienced batsman to anchor the innings
- Kamindu Mendis:Â Emerging all-round talent
World Test Championship Implications
Current WTC Standings
| Position | Team | Matches | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 8 | 87.50 |
| 2 | South Africa | 4 | 75.00 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 6 | 72.22 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 4 | 58.33 |
| 5 | India | 9 | 48.15 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 4 | 41.67 |
Scenarios & Impact
If India win 2-0:
- India’s PCT rises to 57.58, accumulating 24 crucial points
- Sri Lanka’s PCT drops to 27.78
- India remain in fifth place as Bangladesh (58.33) stay ahead, but qualification hopes remain strong
If India win 1-0:
- India’s PCT improves to 51.52
- Sri Lanka’s PCT drops to 33.33
- India strengthen their hold on fifth place
If series ends 1-1:
- India’s PCT stays nearly the same at 48.48
- Sri Lanka’s PCT rises to 44.44
- India maintain fifth place but lose ground on top-four
If Sri Lanka win 2-0:
- India’s PCT plummets to 39.39
- Sri Lanka leapfrog to fourth place with 61.11 PCT
- Consequently, India’s WTC hopes would be severely damaged
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Historical Context
India’s last Test series in Sri Lanka came in 2017, when Virat Kohli’s team secured a dominant 3-0 sweep. The two sides’ most recent red-ball meeting was in India during March 2022, where the hosts won 2-0 with comprehensive victories in Mohali and Bengaluru.
Since 2025, India have shown inconsistency in Test cricket, winning only one multi-match bilateral series. However, they have won three of their last five Tests, which should provide some momentum heading into this crucial away assignment.
Broadcast & Streaming Guide
| Platform | Channel/App |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast (India) | Sony Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (India) | Sony LIV |
Both Test matches will start at 10:00 AM IST.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does India’s Sri Lanka tour begin?
India begins the tour with a three-day warm-up match on August 7, 2026.
How many matches will India play in August 2026?
India will play three matches: one warm-up fixture and two Test matches.
Is the India vs Sri Lanka Test series part of the ICC World Test Championship?
Yes. Both Test matches count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Who is captaining India in the Test series?
Shubman Gill will lead the side, with KL Rahul as vice-captain.
Is Jasprit Bumrah playing in the series?
No, Bumrah has been ruled out with a left knee injury. Auqib Nabi has been named as his replacement.
What is the head-to-head record between India and Sri Lanka in Tests?
In 46 Test matches, India has won 22, Sri Lanka has won 7, with 17 matches drawn.
How can I watch the India vs Sri Lanka Test series in India?
The series will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony LIV.
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