India is set to begin a crucial two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, aiming to revitalize their World Test Championship campaign after a challenging period in the format. This series marks India’s first full Test tour of the island nation in nine years and is a part of the 2025-27 WTC cycle, carrying significant points for both teams vying for a spot in the 2027 final.
Under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, India arrives with a significantly altered squad due to a mounting injury list. Key players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan have been ruled out, forcing several selection changes.
Sri Lanka, conversely, will look to leverage their home advantage and formidable spin attack on the turning pitches of Galle and Colombo. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will lead a side specifically constructed to exploit these familiar conditions.
The two-match series commences on Friday, August 15, with the first Test held at the Galle International Stadium. The series will conclude with the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, beginning on Saturday, August 23. Both Tests are scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. local time (which is also 10:00 a.m. IST) and will be played over the traditional five days under natural light.
India’s 15-member squad, announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, sees the return of Ravindra Jadeja from injury. Uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi has been brought in as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement. Following Sai Sudharsan’s withdrawal due to a toe injury, Devdutt Padikkal is now in contention for the number three batting position after a century in a warm-up match. The Indian squad includes Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, and Sarfaraz Khan.
Sri Lanka has named a 16-member squad, with Dhananjaya de Silva as captain and Kamindu Mendis as his deputy. Niroshan Dickwella returns to Test cricket for the first time since 2023, stepping in for the injured regular wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis. Experienced batter Pathum Nissanka will also miss the series as he recovers from wrist surgery. Uncapped players Pasindu Sooriyabandara and off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha are potential debutants. The Sri Lankan squad comprises Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc), Lahiru Udana, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.
Cricket enthusiasts in India can watch the series on the Sony Sports Network, which is the official broadcaster for India’s tour of Sri Lanka. Matches will be televised on the Sony Sports Ten channels, and fans can also live stream the entire series via the SonyLIV app and website.
