Sri Lanka announces team for first Test against India; Niroshan Dickwella returns

After nine years, the Indian national team traveled to Sri Lanka for the first time to play a series of test matches. The team, led by Shubman Gill, is fully prepared to demonstrate its potential against the Sri Lankan team.

However, significant changes have occurred in Indian cricket over the past decade. When the Indian team last visited Sri Lanka, Virat Kohli was the captain, and Rohit Sharma was also actively involved in Test matches and played an important role in the squad.

Many players from the 2017 squad are no longer part of the team. For example, Rishabh Pant had not even debuted in Tests until this point. Time has changed so much that many veterans have either retired or opted out of the Test format.

Most members of the current Indian team traveling to Sri Lanka are completely new faces who are visiting here for the first time to participate in Test matches. Even the new captain, Shubman Gill, is playing in a Test match on Sri Lankan soil for the first time. Nevertheless, everyone knows how important experience is when young enthusiasm is present in the team.

From the historical 2017 series to the current 2026 squad, only three players managed to retain their place in the team.

K.L. Rahul

In 2017, K.L. Rahul was at the early stage of his career, striving to establish himself in the squad. Today, in 2026, he is one of the most reliable and experienced batsmen in the Indian team. Rahul's reliability, consistency in play, and calm demeanor pose a serious challenge to Sri Lankan bowlers.

Expectations from Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja, considered one of the best all-rounders in the world, has become even more dangerous compared to 2017. Over the last nine years, his performance with and without the ball has reached a new level. Despite approaching the end of his career, he continues to strive to showcase his class in all aspects of the game: batting, bowling, and fielding.

Kuldeep Yadav's Potential

Following the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav has become India's primary spinner in Tests. In 2017, Kuldeep was just starting his journey with the team and learning his craft. Now, he has transformed into a very cunning and experienced bowler whose variations will be a real test for Sri Lankan batsmen.

India's Squad in 2017

The Indian squad in 2017 included Shikhar Dhawan, Abhinav Mukund, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Riddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), K.L. Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

India's Squad in 2026

The Indian squad in 2026 includes Shubman Gill (captain), Yashvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan, Devdutta Padikkala, K.L. Rahul (wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruva Jurel, Manav Sutara, Saransh Jain, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Aukiba Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Harsha Dubey.

Ahead of the two-match series of test matches between India and Sri Lanka, starting on August 15th, the Sri Lankan team has faced significant difficulties due to injuries to two key players.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis will be unable to participate in both matches of the series. Additionally, opening batsman Pathum Nissanka will miss the first Test. It is currently unclear whether Nissanka will be able to return for the second Test.

The first match is scheduled to be held in Galle, while the second will take place on August 23rd at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. The injuries to these two star batsmen before the tournament have significantly complicated the task for Sri Lankan selectors in assembling the squad.

Kusal Mendis's problem arose during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026. On July 19th, during a match between Colombo Caps and Candy Royals at the SSC, he sustained a hamstring injury to his right leg. Following this, Mendis underwent rehabilitation. Although the Sri Lankan team had hopes for his full recovery by the series against India, the recovery did not meet expectations, and it is now evident that he will not be able to play in either of the two Tests. His absence will require Sri Lanka to make mid-squad changes and find a new wicketkeeper.

Pathum Nissanka's injury has also disrupted Sri Lanka's plans regarding the top order. He has been excluded from the first Test. The severity of his injury or the exact date of his return has not yet been determined. Sri Lanka will aim for Nissanka to recover in time for the second Test, which begins on August 23rd. The medical team will monitor his recovery, and the decision regarding his further participation will be based on this.

The pitch in Galle is traditionally favorable for spinners, so Sri Lanka required a strong top and middle order capable of countering Indian spinners. The absence of two important batsmen increases the burden on the remaining players. India has experienced spin options such as Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, as well as Manav Chatur and Saransh Jain. In the Indian team, Mohammed Siraj is expected to take on a larger role in the fast pace of the game in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Fitness issues are not limited to Sri Lanka. India's captain Shubman Gill suffered a ring finger injury in his right hand during training. As a precaution, he did not take the field on the first day of the friendly match against Sri Lanka, and Kel Rule took over the team leadership. The BCCI medical team is monitoring Shubman's recovery, and India expects its captain to be fully fit by the start of the series.

Before the start of the two-match test series between India and Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15, the Indian team will play a three-day friendly match against the local side Eleven on Friday, August 7. This match will take place at the Non-Descript Cricket Club (NCC) ground in Colombo and is considered extremely important for the Indian players as it will give them an opportunity to finalize their preparation for the conditions in Lanka and playing against spin bowling.

Prior to this match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) published a video in which Gautam Gambhir emphasized the need for complete readiness for everything ahead of the Test matches starting on August 15. In this video, Gambhir welcomed Saransh Jain and Akib Nabi to the squad. He highlighted Nabi's outstanding performance, which contributed to the Jammu and Kashmir team winning the Ranji championship.

Furthermore, Gambhir greeted the new field coach Shubdeep Ghosh, addressing him as 'Joy'. He mentioned that Ghosh has experience working with various teams. In the video, he urged the players to be ready to answer any question, regardless of whether the team attacks or defends in the first Test on August 15, and strongly recommended working on all necessary aspects during training.

Recent home games against South Africa and New Zealand showed that Indian batsmen faced significant difficulties against spin bowling. Therefore, this practice match against Sri Lanka's experienced spin attack will be a serious test for the Indian team. Captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have already been practicing against spin bowling at their training centers before traveling to Sri Lanka, but playing on Lankan pitches presents a completely different challenge.

Only three players in the current squad have experience participating in Test matches in Sri Lanka: KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. India last held a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2017. Jasprit Bumrah is not participating in this tour due to injury, so Mohammed Siraj will take responsibility for fast bowling. He will be accompanied by Prasidh Krishna, Gunnor Barar, Manav Chatur, and Saransh Jain. Excluding Siraj and Kuldeep, the rest of the attacking unit is relatively inexperienced.

Earlier, Gunnor Barar and Saransh Jain demonstrated impressive performances for the India A team against Sri Lanka A in Galle last month and hope to maintain their form in this practice match. However, the weather might hinder the preparation of the Indian team. According to the meteorological department's forecast, short rains are expected in Colombo from Friday, which could affect the three-day practice match.