India to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series from August 15-27
Colombo, July 2
India has been confirmed to tour Sri Lanka in August 2026 for a two-match Test series, which will be part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle, Sri Lanka Cricket announced on Thursday.
According to a statement by SLC, the opening Test match will be played at the picturesque Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS) from August 15 to 19. The second and final Test is scheduled to be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27. Both matches are scheduled to commence at 10 am local time.
The two-game assignment holds significance for both teams as they look to climb up the WTC standings. In the current WTC cycle points table, the Shubman Gill-led India have a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15 after nine matches and are in fifth place. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are at the sixth spot with a PCT of 44.44.
A series victory will provide a much-needed push for either side in their bid to secure a top-two finish and make the final. The upcoming series marks India's return to Sri Lanka for playing Tests after 2017, when, under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, they managed to get a clean sweep victory.
With the Lanka Premier League (LPL) scheduled to conclude on August 8, the Test series against India will begin after it ends. There was no mention from the SLC on the addition of a three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka, which was initially proposed with an aim to raise funds for relief and reconstruction efforts in the island nation following Cyclone Ditwah.
As of now, Dhruv Jurel-led India A are currently in Sri Lanka for a two-match red-ball shadow tour in Galle. After the first game ended in a draw, the second four-day match is currently underway.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Missing that T20I series for cyclone relief is a shame—it would have been a great gesture. But proper Test cricket is always welcome. 🏏 Just hope the heat and humidity don't drain our players before the overseas tours. Let's go India!
Two Tests isn't enough—needs to be at least three. But with the packed calendar, I guess this is what we get. Sri Lanka have improved a lot at home, so not taking them lightly. Our batting has to be solid against their spinners. Come on, India!
Cricket in Sri Lanka always brings back memories of 1996 World Cup and all those epic clashes. 🇱🇰🤝🇮🇳 Galle is so scenic, I'd love to visit one day. As a neutral, hoping for two competitive Tests that go the distance! The WTC race will be interesting.
Clean sweep under Kohli in 2017 was epic, but that was a different era. Now with Gill as captain, I'm cautiously optimistic. Our middle order needs to step up. Also, it's a bit concerning that there's no backup plan for the T20I fundraiser—Sri Lanka needs all the help after that cyclone.
August is going to be sweltering in Sri Lanka! Hope the BCCI rotates players wisely. Good to see Dhruv Jurel getting practice with India A down there—he's a talent for the future. WTC points are crucial; we need to win both matches to stay in contention.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.