India vs Sri Lanka Test series 2026: Full schedule, squads, match timings, live streaming and all you need to know

India will take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, with the first Test to be held in Galle from 15 August. The series will be important for both teams, with World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake.

India are in fifth place in the WTC 2025-27 standings with 52 points and a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are in sixth place with just 20 points, but a PCT of 41.67.

For the unversed, the PCT is what is considered in the World Test Championship, rather than just points. India will be led by Shubman Gill, and Sri Lanka will be captained by Dhananjaya de Silva.

India vs Sri Lanka Test series full schedule

India squad for Sri Lanka Test series

Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, and Sarfaraz Khan

Sri Lanka squad (For first Test)

Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka

India vs Sri Lanka expected playing XIs for first Test

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (Captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Saransh Jain, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Niroshan Dickwella, Sonal Dinusha, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando

Major team news and injuries

India: For India, pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the Test series due to a knee injury. Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan, too, has also been ruled out of the Test series due to a toe injury, with Sarfaraz Khan being named his replacement.

India skipper Shubman Gill had also sustained a finger injury ahead of the practice match against Sri Lanka XI, but he returned to bat in the second innings and scored 44 runs.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka will be without the injured Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis for the first Test. Niroshan Dickwella has made a return to the Test squad and is in line to play his first Test since March 2023.

Why Galle could be India's biggest challenge

Galle traditionally provides increasing assistance to spin as a Test progresses. Sri Lanka's familiarity with the conditions and their multiple spin options could therefore test India's batting.

India have not played a Test in Sri Lanka since their 3-0 series victory in 2017, meaning that several players will be playing a Test series in the island nation for the first time.

Players to watch out for

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will be crucial for India.

Sri Lanka will rely heavily on captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis and spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.

India vs Sri Lanka Test head-to-head record

Last five Tests vs Sri Lanka

India have won three of the last five meetings, with two ending in draws.

India's last Test series in Sri Lanka

India won the 2017 series 3-0, the last time they toured the country for a Test series.

India's Test-series record in Sri Lanka

India have won four Test series in Sri Lanka, lost three and drawn three.

Last India vs Sri Lanka Test at Galle

India last played a Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2017. The visitors won that match by 304 runs, with Shikhar Dhawan being named the player of the match for his knock of 190.

What happened last time India took on Sri Lanka in a Test series in Sri Lanka?

India thumped Sri Lanka 3-0 in their last Test series in the island nation in 2017. Shikhar Dhawan ended as the leading run-scorer with 358 runs, while Ravichandran Ashwin topped India's wicket charts with 17 wickets.

Where to watch India vs Sri Lanka Test series in India

Fans in India can watch the India vs Sri Lanka Test series on the Sony Sports Network TV channels. Live streaming will also be available on the Sony LIV app and website on a subscription basis.