The India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 Schedule is one of the key Test assignments of the year, with India travelling to Sri Lanka for a two match series in August. The whole thing is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, so every session and not just the big moments matter for both sides. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the tour includes two Tests, first at Galle, and the second one in Colombo, with no surprise changes.
The India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 schedule runs from August 15 to August 27. The initial Test went at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, and the second plus final Test is slated at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27. Both games will start at 10:00 AM IST exactly, as per the announced timings.
India head into the second Test with a 1-0 series advantage after beating Sri Lanka in the opener at Galle by 165 runs. So Sri Lanka are facing a do-or-die position in Colombo, if they want to end up drawing the series, instead of watching it slip away.
India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 Schedule
Here is the full schedule for these two match Tests, in a way that feels a bit normal but still not, you know, perfectly neat:
| Test | Date | Venue | Time (IST) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 15–19, 2026 | Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle | 10:00 AM | India won |
| 2nd Test | August 23–27, 2026 | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo | 10:00 AM | Upcoming |
The official BCCI list backs up these two fixtures , and Sri Lanka Cricket has also put both Galle and SSC Colombo in the same series venues.
1st Test: India vs Sri Lanka at Galle
The first Test of the India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 took place at the Galle International Cricket Stadium between August 15 and August 19.
India opened brightly. Shubman Gill led the team, and the batting order had a mix of seasoned campaigners plus newer Test talent. In the contest, Devdutt Padikkal notched up a memorable maiden Test ton , finishing with 167. KL Rahul then chipped in with an important score as well.
The opening Test was, affected by rain, especially early on in the match. Even so India later managed to put together a rather convincing win by 165 runs, and that gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
For Sri Lanka this outcome adds a real amount of strain going into the Colombo Test. Now they basically have to win the second game, otherwise India can wrap up the series on the spot.
2nd Test: India vs Sri Lanka in Colombo
The next Test is set for August 23 to August 27, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo.
The start time is 10:00 AM IST. In local Sri Lanka terms that works out to 10:30 AM based on the posted schedule.
This fixture matters a lot because India are already ahead 1-0 in the series. If the match ends level, India take the series. Sri Lanka, however, need a win to bring the score back on terms.
Sri Lanka have also made a few squad changes heading into the second Test, as if time is moving a bit too fast. Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been added to the squad, meanwhile key batters Kusal Mendis, and Dinesh Chandimal are not available.
Quick pointers for the 2nd Test
- Match: India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test
- Date: August 23–27, 2026
- Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
- Start time: 10:00 AM IST
- Series: India lead 1-0
- Competition: ICC World Test Championship 2025–27
This second Test could end up being a tipping point for the series. India will want to keep rolling, while Sri Lanka will try to use home ground conditions, to pull a series draw.
India Test Squad for Sri Lanka 2026
On July 28, the BCCI announced India’s Test squad for the two match series. Shubman Gill was named the captain, KL Rahul became the vice-captain, and the list also included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, plus a few other names.
The squad that was announced earlier went like this:
- Shubman Gill — Captain
- KL Rahul — Vice-Captain
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant — Wicketkeeper
- Sai Sudharsan
- Dhruv Jurel — Wicketkeeper
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Manav Suthar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Gurnoor Brar
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Saransh Jain
But then right before the series, squad availability changed a bit, you know, teams rarely stay still. Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the two Test tour, after he could not get final fitness clearance in time. As a replacement, Auqib Nabi was handed his first senior India call up, and that was that.
Shubman Gill’s Leadership
One of the biggest talking points in the series is Shubman Gill’s leadership, because he is leading India in the Test series and also has the responsibility to manage a squad that mixes seasoned campaigners with younger players who are still finding their rhythm.
The tour also comes with an important chance for India’s next generation of Test cricketers. Players such as Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel have a chance, to solidify their footing in the Test setup and make it harder to ignore them.
Gill’s leadership will matter even more in Colombo , because India only need to avoid defeat to secure the series. Still, if they manage a positive result , it would clearly improve India’s standing in the World Test Championship cycle.
Sri Lanka’s Challenge in the 2nd Test
Sri Lanka have a difficult assignment ahead. After dropping the Galle Test by 165 runs , the hosts need to win in Colombo to draw the series.
This challenge has got harder now, thanks to injuries and that issue of player availability, you know. Kusal Mendis is not available because of a hamstring injury, while Dinesh Chandimal is sidelined after a concussion in the first Test. Pathum Nissanka is also not back to full speed, he is still on the mend after wrist surgery.
With Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige added, Sri Lanka have more choices to work with. Arachchige, off-spin all-rounder, has been called into the squad, and Mishara brings another batter option to the table.
Why the Colombo Test Matters
The second Test is more than just the usual bilateral battle. Both games feed into the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.
For India, taking the series would bring real momentum in the WTC chase. For Sri Lanka, winning at home would stop a home-series loss, and also give them a chance to climb upward in the championship standings, phase by phase.
The Colombo conditions can also, nudge the team selection. Sri Lanka are likely to weigh their spin choices with a lot more care, while India have multiple quality spin and pace bowling options to pick from,depending on what the wicket is doing.
India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 Schedule: Players to Watch
Shubman Gill
Gill’s job goes past just batting, because he is captaining India. People will be paying attention to how he decides things, where he sets fielders and how he manages the bowling group.
KL Rahul
Rahul brings serious experience into the Indian batting lineup. His ability to craft long innings is especially useful in Test cricket, even when the session feels slow.
Devdutt Padikkal
Padikkal was one of India’s brighter efforts in the opening Test. His first Test century, 167, showed he can handle Sri Lanka’s attack and hold his patience through long spells.
Rishabh Pant
Pant still looks like one of India’s most dangerous Test batters. His daring approach plus wicketkeeping impact can flip the tone of a match in a hurry.
Ravindra Jadeja
Moreover, Jadeja seems to bring a great balance with both bat and ball, and it’s obvious. Also, his experience and know-how on Asian pitches make him a key figure within India. Besides, the way he can play a part in crucial moments feels especially valuable for the squad. Further, his overall bat-ball harmony is strong.
Prabath Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka’s spin unit should be decisive in Colombo. Jayasuriya already had influence in the first Test, he took four wickets in India’s opening innings
India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026: what spectators should have in mind
The second Test should feel like a lively duel, between India’s solid batting order and Sri Lanka’s familiarity with their own conditions.
India will come in riding confidence after their Galle win, but they cannot slip into complacency. The game can pivot fast in Test cricket, especially once spin starts to matter, and when the surface starts to behave.
Sri Lanka, however, have less pressure. They need to strike early, from the very first sessions, if they want a series-leveling result.
The Colombo Test could, therefore , turn into a curious tactical battle. India’s batting depth will be pressed against Sri Lanka’s turning brigade, while Sri Lanka’s newly adjusted batting order will have to cope with India’s bowling choices.
Where to Follow India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026
Cricket fans can keep track of the latest match scores, playing XIs, results team news and other key updates via official cricket platforms and broadcasters.
For Indian viewers, the published schedule shows a 10:00 AM IST start for both Tests.
Before the second Test, viewers should also check the confirmed playing XIs, because injuries and selection calls can change the final lineup.
Conclusion
The India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 schedule has two Tests, one at Galle and the other at Colombo. The first Test was held from August 15 to 19 at Galle, and the second one will be played from August 23 to 27 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Both games are scheduled to start at 10:00 AM IST.
India are ahead 1-0 in the series after the 165-run win in Galle. Sri Lanka, they therefore need to win the Colombo Test to draw level the series, so the second match becomes extra important .
With Shubman Gill as the guide for India, a reshaped Sri Lankan squad, and those World Test Championship points that actually matter , the Colombo Test could turn out to be an important chapter in the 2026 Test calendar .
