India to play test matches in Sri Lanka after 9 years; only three players have experience playing there

The Test history of the Indian team in Galle, where the first match between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled, began in 2001, and the last test was played here in 2017. A total of only five Test matches have been held between the two countries during this period. The overall statistics of India's performance at this venue show mixed results.

The first match between India and Sri Lanka in Galle took place on August 14 and concluded on August 17. In this match, which was under the captaincy of Saurav Ganguly, India lost by 10 wickets. The Indian team scored 187 runs in the first innings and was completely bowled out, with Dilhara Fernando taking five wickets. Sri Lanka responded by scoring 362 runs, thanks to the performances of Sanath Jayasuriya (111) and Kumar Sangakkara (105). Although it seemed that the Indian team could counterattack in the second half, the entire Indian team eventually scored 180 runs, and Sri Lanka won the match by only 6 runs in the second half.

The second Test, played in July 2008, resulted in an Indian victory in Galle. Virender Sehwag was the main hero for the Indian team, scoring 201 runs in the first innings and 50 runs in the second, allowing the Indian team to win by a margin of 170 runs. India scored 329 runs in the first innings and 269 in the second, while Sri Lanka managed to score 292 runs. The target for Sri Lanka in the second half was 307 runs, but they could only manage 136.

It is worth noting that in the match where India first achieved a victory in Galle, the Indian team's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, scored 56 runs in the first innings and 74 in the second. Anil Kumble was the captain of the Indian team in that match.

The third Test between the two countries took place in July 2010 and was also held in Galle. Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets. Sri Lanka first scored 520/8 runs in the first innings. The Indian team first scored 276 runs and was completely bowled out, after which they had to bat in the reserve. Then the Indian team scored 338 runs, but Sri Lanka won by scoring 96 runs without losing composure. Lasith Malinga was named player of the match.

In August 2015, the Indian team, under the leadership of Virat Kohli, took the field in Galle for the fourth Test. This match was won by the Sri Lankan team by a margin of 63 runs. Sri Lanka first scored 183 runs, with Ravichandran Ashwin taking 6 wickets. After this, India scored 375 runs thanks to the performances of Shikhar Dhawan (134) and Virat Kohli (103). Sri Lanka scored 367 runs in the second half, with Dinesh Chandimal playing a knock of 162 runs. India needed to score 176 runs, but they could not overcome Rangana Herath, who took 7 wickets in the match. Only Shikhar Dhawan (28) and Ajinkya Rahane (36) managed to score runs in the second half.

The last Test between India and Sri Lanka in Galle ended with an Indian victory by a margin of 304 runs in July 2017, when Virat Kohli was still the captain. India first scored 600 runs in the first innings, thanks to outstanding innings by Shikhar Dhawan (190) and Cheteshwar Pujara (153). Sri Lanka first scored 291 runs. Then India declared the second innings at 240/3. The target for Sri Lanka was 550 runs, but they could only manage 245.

Thus, the statistics of the Indian team in Galle are mixed: out of five matches played, India won two and lost three.

Match Results in Galle:

• 2001: Sri Lanka defeated India by 10 wickets.
• 2008: India defeated Sri Lanka by 170 runs.
• 2010: Sri Lanka defeated India by 10 wickets.
• 2015: Sri Lanka defeated India by 63 runs.
• 2017: India defeated Sri Lanka by 304 runs.

Sri Lanka has selected a 16-member squad for the first Test match against India, which is set to begin in Galle on August 15. Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the team, while Kamindu Mendis has been appointed as vice-captain. Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella has been brought back into the Test squad.

Dickwella has been included in the team as a wicketkeeper and will take on this responsibility in the absence of Kusal Mendis. Kusal Mendis could not be part of the first Test due to injury, and Pathum Nissanka was also not included in the squad.

According to a report by Newswire.lk, the Sri Lankan selection committee has assembled a good mix of experienced and young players for the initial Test against India. Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Suriyabandar, and Sonal Dinusha have been included in the batting order.

In the spin bowling department, Kesara Nuwantha has been included alongside Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya. Milan Ratnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka will handle the fast bowling responsibilities.

The return of Niroshan Dickwella to the team is significant news for Sri Lanka. This experienced wicketkeeper-batsman has been chosen as the wicketkeeper for the first Test. The team management highly valued Dickwella's experience after Kusal Mendis sustained an injury.

Under the leadership of Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka hopes to capitalize on home conditions, while Kamindu Mendis has been entrusted with the role of vice-captain.

Kesara Nuwantha has also made his debut in the Sri Lankan team. In a recent practice match, Mohammed Siraj of India hit three sixes off his deliveries.

The first match of the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The Sri Lankan Test squad includes Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushanka, Kamindu Mendis (Vice-Captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Suriyabandar, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (Wicketkeeper), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kesara Nuwantha, Milan Ratnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka. The Indian team comprises Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Akib Nabi, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Bharar, and Saransh Jain.

The full schedule for India's tour of Sri Lanka is as follows: The first Test will be held in Galle from 10 am on August 15-19, and the second Test will be held in Colombo from 10 am on August 23-27.

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.