India and Sri Lanka begin their two-match Test series on Saturday, August 15, with the opening game at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle and comes at an important stage for both teams, who are currently placed fifth and sixth respectively in the standings.
The first Test also marks a significant moment for Indian cricket as it will be India's 600th Test match. The Shubman Gill-led side returns to Sri Lanka for a Test series after nine years, having last toured the country in 2017 and winning that series 3-0.
Here is everything you need to know about the India vs Sri Lanka Test series, including the schedule, live streaming details, squads, likely playing XIs, weather, pitch report and head-to-head record.
India vs Sri Lanka Test series 2026 schedule
The two-Test series will begin in Galle on August 15. The second Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23. Both matches are scheduled to start at 10 am IST.
| Test | Date | Venue | Start time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 15-19 | Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle | 10:00 am IST |
| 2nd Test | August 23-27 | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo | 10:00 am IST |
India vs Sri Lanka live streaming: Where to watch
In India, the Test series will be available live on the Sony Sports Network. Fans can stream the matches online through the Sony LIV app and website. DD Sports will also provide television coverage for viewers with access to the channel.
The series will not be available on JioHotstar or Star Sports, according to the current broadcast information.
India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test live details
- Match: Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test
- Date: August 15 to 19
- Venue: Galle International Cricket Stadium
- Time: 10:00 am IST
- TV: Sony Sports Network, DD Sports
- Live streaming: Sony LIV
India squad for Sri Lanka Test series
Shubman Gill is the captain of the Indian team, with KL Rahul named vice-captain. India, however, will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan for the series because of injuries. Sarfaraz Khan was brought into the squad after Sudharsan was ruled out.
India squad: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Auqib Nabi, Dhruv Jurel, Gurnoor Brar and Saransh Jain.
Sri Lanka squad for Test series
Dhananjaya de Silva will lead Sri Lanka in the two-Test series. The hosts have also recalled wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella following Kusal Mendis' injury.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake and Keshara Nuwantha.
India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test predicted playing XI
The final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss. India are weighing their bowling combination, with conditions in Galle potentially encouraging the visitors to field three spinners. The absence of Bumrah also means Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are likely to carry more responsibility with the new ball.
India predicted XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Manav Suthar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
Devdutt Padikkal is among the players being considered for the No. 3 position following Sai Sudharsan's absence. India could also opt for a three-spinner attack involving Jadeja, Kuldeep and Manav Suthar.
Sri Lanka predicted XI
- Pathum Nissanka
- Nishan Madushka
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper)
- Ramesh Mendis
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Asitha Fernando
- Vishwa Fernando
Sri Lanka's final combination could depend heavily on how much assistance the Galle surface offers to spin.
Ind vs SL 1st Test Galle weather forecast
Rain is one of the major concerns heading into the first Test. Forecasts have indicated a chance of rain during the five days, raising the possibility of interruptions at Galle.
The conditions could also affect the pitch. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has pointed out that the hot and humid conditions can cause the Kookaburra ball to soften relatively quickly, potentially reducing the effectiveness of fast bowlers after the initial spell.
With rain and humidity around, the toss could become particularly important. A team batting first will want to make the most of any good batting period before the surface starts offering more assistance to the spinners.
India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Galle Pitch Report
Galle is traditionally known for helping spinners as a Test progresses, but the surface for this match is not expected to be the typical sharp-turning Galle pitch.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva has indicated that the surface may contain more moisture than usual because of the weather and pitch preparation. That could give fast bowlers some movement early in the match.
The expectation is that batting could be relatively comfortable once the initial movement disappears, while spinners should become increasingly important as the Test moves into its later stages.
This could explain India's interest in using three spinners. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav bring experience in Sri Lankan conditions, while Manav Suthar could make his Test debut if India decide to strengthen the spin attack.
India vs Sri Lanka head-to-head record in Tests
India have dominated the overall Test record between the two teams.
The sides have played 46 Tests against each other. India have won 22 , Sri Lanka have won 7 , while 17 matches have ended in draws .
| Head-to-head | India | Sri Lanka |
| Tests played | 46 | 46 |
| India wins | 22 | — |
| Sri Lanka wins | — | 7 |
| Draws | 17 | 17 |
Sri Lanka's last Test victory over India came in 2015, when the hosts produced a memorable win in Galle. Since then, India have had the upper hand in the rivalry.
India also won their most recent Test series in Sri Lanka 3-0 in 2017, making this return to the island an important test for Gill's side.
Why the series matters for the World Test Championship
The two-Test series carries more significance than a regular bilateral contest because both matches are part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
India are currently fifth in the WTC standings, while Sri Lanka are sixth. India need a strong result in Sri Lanka to keep their hopes of reaching the WTC Final alive. Gill has said India may need to win six or seven of their remaining Tests to put themselves in a strong position.
For Sri Lanka, the situation is similar. A series win would provide valuable points and help them close the gap on the teams above them.
The first Test therefore brings together two sides with plenty at stake. India have the stronger head-to-head record, but Galle, uncertain weather and a surface expected to change during the match could make this a much closer contest than the numbers suggest.
