India and Sri Lanka are set to renew their Test rivalry with a two-match series in August 2026, with both sides looking to collect crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The series marks India’s return to Sri Lanka for a Test assignment after a long gap, with the visitors last playing a red-ball series on the island in 2017. India won that series 3-0.

The first Test will be played at the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15, before the teams move to Colombo for the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

With the opening Test just around the corner, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Sri Lanka vs India Test series 2026.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026: Schedule

The series comprises two Tests, with both matches scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM IST (10:30 AM local time). The first Test will be played in Galle, while the second will take place in Colombo. 

The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, making every session important for both teams. 

Venues: Galle and Colombo

Galle International Cricket Stadium

The first Test will be played at Galle, a venue synonymous with spin-friendly conditions and long-running Test cricket traditions. The coastal ground can offer assistance to spinners as the match progresses, while the crosswinds around the venue can also influence bowling conditions. 

India’s last Test at Galle against Sri Lanka came in 2017, when the visitors won by 304 runs.

Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo

The second Test will move to the SSC Ground in Colombo, one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent Test venues. The match is scheduled from August 23 to 27.

The change in venue could also provide a tactical challenge for both teams, particularly if the pitches offer different levels of assistance to spin and pace.

SL vs IND 2026: Full squads of both team

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Cricket announced a 16-member squad for the first Test on August 12. Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the hosts, while Kamindu Mendis has been named vice-captain. The return of Niroshan Dickwella is one of the major talking points, while Kusal Mendis is unavailable. The hosts also have a strong spin option in Prabath Jayasuriya, who could be particularly important in Galle.

Squad: Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

India

India will be led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain. The original squad included Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah subject to fitness, but both have since become unavailable for the series. Sudharsan was replaced by Sarfaraz Khan, while Bumrah was ruled out after failing his fitness assessment and Auqib Nabi received his maiden senior Test call-up. 

Squad: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Kuldeep Yadav, Auqib Nabi Dar, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

India vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record in Tests

India have historically held the upper hand in the longest format. The two sides have played 46 Tests, with India winning 22 and Sri Lanka securing seven victories. Seventeen matches have ended in draws.

India have also dominated the recent rivalry. Their last Test meeting came in March 2022, when India won the Bengaluru Test by 238 runs after winning the Mohali Test by an innings and 222 runs. 

Sri Lanka’s last Test victory over India came in Galle in 2015, when the hosts won by 63 runs.

Interestingly, all seven of Sri Lanka’s Test victories over India have come on home soil, highlighting the importance of local conditions in this rivalry. 

India vs Sri Lanka: What is at stake?

Beyond the historical rivalry, the series carries considerable significance for the World Test Championship 2025-27. India currently sit fifth in the WTC standings, with Sri Lanka immediately behind them in sixth. Both teams therefore have an opportunity to improve their positions with a strong series. 

India will also be attempting to maintain their impressive recent record in Sri Lanka, while the hosts will hope their familiarity with Galle and Colombo can help them challenge the visitors.

The absence of Jasprit Bumrah is another major factor. India’s pace attack will have to compensate for the loss of one of the world’s leading Test bowlers, particularly in conditions where the ball can soften quickly in the heat and humidity. 

Where to Watch India vs Sri Lanka Tests Live in India?

For viewers in India, the two-match Test series will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network, with Sony LIV providing live streaming. DD Sports is also reported to offer coverage for viewers with DD Free Dish.

The series is not being carried by Star Sports or JioHotstar in India, according to current broadcast listings. 

Key Players to Watch

For India, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will be among the players expected to make a major impact.

Gill’s first Test assignment in Sri Lanka as captain will be particularly significant, while Jadeja and Kuldeep could play pivotal roles if Galle produces the expected assistance for spin.

Sri Lanka will look towards Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya and Asitha Fernando. With Kusal Mendis unavailable, the hosts will need their experienced batters to shoulder greater responsibility.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026: All You Need to Know

The upcoming series brings together two teams separated by just one place in the WTC standings, but with a significant historical advantage for India.

India enter the contest with a formidable record against Sri Lanka, while the hosts have home conditions and a spin-heavy attack in their favour. The first Test at Galle could set the tone for the entire series, particularly with India’s spin combination and Sri Lanka’s revamped batting order under the spotlight.

With two Tests, crucial WTC points and a long-standing rivalry at stake, the Sri Lanka-India series promises to be a fascinating battle between India’s experienced core and a Sri Lankan side determined to make the most of home advantage.