A series of two test matches between India and Sri Lanka is set to begin on August 15. For the Indian team, this tournament holds significant importance as they currently occupy fifth place in the WTC 2025-27 table with only four wins in nine matches.
Previously, these two teams had played a controversial match. The third test match of the series, which took place in 2017 at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitley Stadium), is considered one of the most contentious in cricket history.
The toxic air in Delhi at that time worsened the players' condition. During the game, many Sri Lankan athletes experienced breathing difficulties. Some players played while wearing masks, while fast bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Dhananjaya D. Silva began experiencing vomiting.
The situation was so severe that oxygen tanks were placed in the dressing rooms of both teams to alleviate the athletes' condition. Notably, the Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami also vomited on the field.
Due to the poor air quality, the game had to be suspended, and this incident raised global concerns about pollution in Delhi. Following this test, new discussions arose regarding player safety. The Sri Lankan team management demanded that air quality checks be mandatory before future matches, and medical experts also expressed concern about holding international games under such conditions.
The test match in Delhi yielded no result and ended in a draw. The Indian team, having won the toss, started with an attack, declaring the first innings after scoring 536 runs and losing seven wickets.
Captain Virat Kohli delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 243 runs, while Mori Li Wijey contributed 155 runs. Rohit Sharma also made a significant contribution with 65 runs.
In response, Sri Lanka's first innings totaled 373 runs. Captain Dinesh Chandimal attempted to stabilize the game by scoring 164 runs, and Angelo Mathews scored 111 runs, but the other batsmen could not build a large partnership.
India then declared the second innings after scoring 246 runs, losing five wickets. Shikhar Dhawan scored 67 runs, and Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma each scored 50 runs.
Sri Lanka fought to chase a challenging target of 386 runs despite the poor air and deteriorating player health. Dhananjaya D. Silva played a tenacious innings of 119 runs before being forced off due to injury, and Roshen Silva (74) and Niroshan Dickwella (44) also made significant contributions. Ultimately, thanks to the fight from the Sri Lankan batsmen, the match ended in a draw.
