India Prepares for Test Series in Sri Lanka with Practice Match
India Arrives in Sri Lanka for Test Series
On August 4, Team India landed in Sri Lanka, gearing up for the eagerly awaited Test series against the host nation. This marks the start of their preparations for the upcoming matches.
Before the Test series kicks off, India will engage in a four-day practice match in Colombo, scheduled to begin on August 7.
Team India have arrived in Sri Lanka ahead of the upcoming Test series!
The stage is set for an exciting battle between two cricketing nations.
#SLvIND #TestCricket #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/oOhK4ASzOo
— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) August 4, 2026
The two-match Test series will commence with the first match at Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Unfortunately, India's star bowler Jasprit Bumrah will miss the series due to an incomplete recovery from a left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
In his absence, the Men's Selection Committee has named Nabi as his replacement in the squad.
India is also facing several injury issues, with Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy out due to hamstring and quadriceps injuries, respectively.
Washington Sundar will not participate in the opening Test due to a hamstring problem, while Akash Deep is still recovering from stress reactions in his back.
This series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Currently, India, led by Shubman Gill, sits fifth in the standings with four wins and four losses from nine matches, holding a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.
The squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka includes: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, and Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance.