India begin a crucial two-match Test series in Sri Lanka as they look to revive their World Test Championship campaign after a difficult run in the format.
The series, part of the 2025-27 WTC cycle, marks India’s first full Test tour of the island nation in nine years and carries significant points implications for both sides as they chase a place in the 2027 final.
India, under captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, arrive with a much-changed side, forced into several selection calls by a mounting injury list that has ruled out Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan among others.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will bank on home advantage and their spin re Silva leading a side built to exploit familiar conditions
The Sporting News has all you need to know about the India vs Sri Lanka Test series, including dates, schedule, squads, and how and where to watch it.
India vs Sri Lanka Test series dates
The two-match series begins on Friday, August 15, with the first Test at the Galle International Stadium. It concludes with the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, starting Saturday, August 23.
Both Tests are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. local time, which is also 10:00 a.m. IST, played under natural light across the traditional five days.
India vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule
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India vs Sri Lanka squads
India’s 15-member squad, announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, sees the return of Ravindra Jadeja from injury, with uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi drafted in as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement.
Sai Sudharsan was later ruled out with a toe injury, leaving Devdutt Padikkal in line to bat at number three after his warm-up century.
India squad: Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan.
Sri Lanka have named a 16-member squad led by Dhananjaya de Silva, with Kamindu Mendis as his deputy. Niroshan Dickwella returns to Test cricket for the first time since 2023 after regular wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis was ruled out through injury.
Meanwhile, experienced batter Pathum Nissanka also misses out as he recovers from wrist surgery. Uncapped duo Pasindu Sooriyabandara and off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha could be in line for Test debuts.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc), Lahiru Udana, Nishan Madushka, 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 vs Sri Lanka Test series live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch the India vs Sri Lanka Test series in India:
TV channel: Sony Sports Network
Live stream: SonyLIV
Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster for India’s tour of Sri Lanka, with the matches televised on the Sony Sports Ten channels. Fans can also live stream the entire series through the SonyLIV app and website.
