First Test between India and Sri Lanka starts in Galle; team lineups discussed

Following the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Indian team's focus is on the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC). The Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill, will play a two-match test series against Sri Lanka starting on August 15th.

This series is of great importance to India, as after missing out on a final spot in the previous WTC cycle, they are now aiming to win every match to strengthen their position in the tournament table.

The test series between India and Sri Lanka will also be a significant challenge and opportunity for spinners, as the pitches in Galle and Colombo are traditionally favorable for spin bowling.

The first test is scheduled from August 15 to 19, 2026, at the International Stadium in Galle. The match is set to begin at 10:00 AM Indian time. The second test will take place from August 23 to 27, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, also at 10:00 AM Indian time.

Before the series begins, the Indian team will hold three-day practice matches against the Sri Lankan team from August 7 to 9. This match was initially planned as four days, but the Sri Lanka Cricket Board changed the schedule, shortening it to three days.

This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. If India wins both tests, it will give the team a significant advantage in the WTC standings.

Given that India's performances in overseas tours in recent months have been widely discussed, the tour to Sri Lanka will also provide the team with an opportunity to boost its confidence.

Live broadcasting of this test series in India will be available on the Sony Sports Network channel. Additionally, fans can follow all matches live via the SonyLIV app and website on mobile and digital platforms.

The Indian team is preparing for a two-match test series against Sri Lanka, concluding the final stage of training activities. During the second day of the three-day friendly match against the Sri Lankan team (SLC XI), a humorous incident occurred that helped lighten the mood in the Indian camp.

Ravindra Jadeja suddenly started bowling in the manner of spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Seeing this scene, head coach Gautam Gambhir could not contain his laughter. A recorded video of this funny moment showed how Jadeja copied Kuldeep's bowling characteristics, including his characteristic run-up to the ball, slightly exaggerating the action, which caused bursts of laughter in the dressing room.

Kuldeep Yadav is a left-arm wrist spinner, and his bowling technique differs significantly from Ravindra Jadeja's style, who usually uses a very short run-up when left-arm spinning. When Jadeja tried to replicate Kuldeep's bowling, the sight was quite comical. During the friendly match, both players got the opportunity to bowl long spells.

In the match, Jadeja performed successfully, taking two wickets while conceding 64 runs in 15 overs. His victims were Pasindu Suriyabanda and Ramesh Mendis. Kuldeep Yadav, bowling 18 overs, conceded 76 runs and also took two wickets, dismissing Ahana Vikramsinghe and Anjalu Bandara. Besides them, left-arm spinner Manav Sutaran also impressed by taking two wickets while conceding only 33 runs in 13 overs.

The Sri Lankan team declared its first innings with a score of 363 runs, losing 8 wickets. After bowling, Ravindra Jadeja demonstrated usefulness as a batsman. When India lost 4 wickets with a score of 174 runs, Jadeja, along with Manav Sutaran, stabilized the game. He scored 63 runs off 117 balls, using 7 fours, after which he sustained an injury and was forced to leave the field, giving other batsmen a chance to practice.

Devdutt Padikkal became the main star of the Indian batting, scoring a century, thereby strengthening his claim for the number three position in the Gaul Test match. Thanks to Padikkal's century and the contribution of the lower order players, the Indian team scored 357 runs on the second day, losing 6 wickets.

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.