Sri Lanka will begin their two-match Test series against India when the first Test gets underway at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, August 15. The contest is an important one for both teams in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with Sri Lanka currently sixth in the standings and India occupying fifth place.

The hosts have named a 16-member squad for the series opener, with Dhananjaya de Silva continuing as captain and Kamindu Mendis appointed his deputy. However, Sri Lanka will be without two important batters, with Kusal Mendis ruled out through injury and Pathum Nissanka still recovering from wrist surgery.

The absence of the two experienced batters leaves Sri Lanka with some selection decisions to make, particularly in the top and middle order. The return of Niroshan Dickwella is another major talking point, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Keshara Nuwantha are among the uncapped players pushing for a debut.

With Galle traditionally offering assistance to spinners as the Test progresses, Sri Lanka could be tempted to strengthen their spin department. 

Here is the predicted XI of Sri Lanka for the upcoming 1st Test vs India

1. Lahiru Udara

Lahiru Udara is likely to open the innings for Sri Lanka. The right-hander could be handed the responsibility of providing a solid beginning against an Indian attack that contains considerable quality in both pace and spin.

Udara’s biggest challenge will be negotiating the new ball before the surface begins to offer greater assistance to the spinners. A patient start from the opener could be crucial to Sri Lanka’s hopes of posting competitive totals.

2. Nishan Madushka

Nishan Madushka could partner Udara at the top of the order. The left-hander provides a contrasting option and has experience of opening in Test cricket.

With Nissanka unavailable, Madushka’s ability to convert starts into substantial scores will become even more important. He will need to be particularly watchful against India’s seamers before dealing with their formidable spin options.

3. Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis is expected to move into a key position in the top order while also serving as vice-captain. His ability to bat in different situations makes him one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable players.

Kamindu can also contribute with his left-arm spin, giving Dhananjaya an additional tactical option. Against India’s strong spin attack, however, his batting will likely be his primary responsibility.

4. Dinesh Chandimal

Veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal should occupy the No. 4 position. With Kusal Mendis and Nissanka unavailable, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Chandimal’s experience.

His ability to absorb pressure and construct long innings could be particularly valuable in Galle. Chandimal has played extensively against India and understands the demands of batting on Sri Lankan pitches.

5. Dhananjaya de Silva (c)

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva is expected to bat at No. 5. The experienced all-rounder remains one of the central figures in Sri Lanka’s Test setup.

Dhananjaya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the hosts flexibility. His leadership will also be tested against an Indian side possessing a strong spin attack.

6. Niroshan Dickwella (wk)

Niroshan Dickwella could make his Test comeback after more than three years. He last represented Sri Lanka in the format against New Zealand in 2023 and has returned to the squad after Kusal Mendis was ruled out.

Dickwella’s selection would give Sri Lanka an experienced wicketkeeper-batter. His aggressive batting style could also provide momentum in the lower middle order.

7. Ramesh Mendis

Ramesh Mendis is likely to be Sri Lanka’s specialist off-spinner and should play an important role on a Galle surface expected to assist spin.

His ability to bowl long spells and extract turn makes him a natural selection for the conditions. He can also contribute useful runs down the order.

8. Prabath Jayasuriya

Prabath Jayasuriya should be Sri Lanka’s main left-arm spinner. His record at home makes him one of the most dangerous bowlers in the squad.

Jayasuriya could prove especially difficult for India’s right-hand-heavy batting lineup. His accuracy and ability to generate sharp turn could make him Sri Lanka’s biggest weapon once the pitch begins to deteriorate.

9. Milan Rathnayake

Milan Rathnayake is expected to provide the seam-bowling all-rounder option. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Sri Lanka valuable depth.

He could also be useful with the new ball before the spinners take control of the contest.

10. Asitha Fernando

Asitha Fernando is likely to lead the pace attack. The right-arm seamer possesses the ability to generate movement with the new ball and can challenge India’s top order before spin becomes the dominant threat.

His role could be particularly important during the opening hour of each innings.

11. Dilshan Madushanka

Dilshan Madushanka could complete the XI as the second specialist seamer. He has been recalled to the Test squad after making his only previous appearance in the format against Pakistan in 2023.

His left-arm angle would provide variety alongside Asitha, while his pace could make him useful against India’s right-handers.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI

Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.