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India Test Squad vs Sri Lanka 2026: Full Squad, Schedule

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India Test Squad vs Sri Lanka 2026: Full Squad, Schedule

India Test Squad vs Sri Lanka 2026: Full Squad, Last Test Result and Schedule

India are set to return to Test cricket with a two-match series against Sri Lanka, with the first Test scheduled to begin on August 15, 2026, in Galle.

The series will be an important one for India as the team continues its campaign in the current World Test Championship cycle. Shubman Gill will lead the Indian side, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain.

India, however, will enter the series without Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan. Both players have been ruled out due to injuries, leading to changes in the squad.

Auqib Nabi has been added as Bumrah's replacement, while Sarfaraz Khan has returned to the squad in place of Sai Sudharsan.

India Test Squad vs Sri Lanka 2026

The latest India squad for the two-Test series includes:

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

Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan were part of the original squad but were later ruled out because of injuries.

Auqib Nabi received his maiden Test call-up as Bumrah's replacement, while Sarfaraz Khan was brought in for Sudharsan.

Shubman Gill to Lead India

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the Sri Lanka series is Shubman Gill's role as India's Test captain.

Gill has already shown his ability with the bat and will now have the added responsibility of leading the team.

He had an impressive outing in India's previous Test against Afghanistan, scoring 126 runs in a dominant Indian victory.

With KL Rahul as vice-captain, India have an experienced player alongside Gill to help guide the team during the series.

Jasprit Bumrah Misses the Sri Lanka Tests

India will be without their leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the Sri Lanka Test series.

Bumrah's absence is a major talking point because of the experience and wicket-taking ability he brings to the Indian bowling attack.

His absence gives other fast bowlers an opportunity to take greater responsibility.

Mohammed Siraj is expected to play an important role with the new ball, while Prasidh Krishna and the other pace options will also be competing for places in the playing XI.

Sai Sudharsan Ruled Out

India also suffered a setback in the batting department after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out because of a toe injury.

Sudharsan was initially selected for the series but had to withdraw after his injury.

Sarfaraz Khan was subsequently added to the squad as his replacement.

Sarfaraz has already shown his ability in domestic cricket and has experience at Test level. His ability to play spin could be useful in Sri Lankan conditions.

India's Last Test Result

India's most recent Test match was against Afghanistan in June 2026.

India produced a huge performance and won the one-off Test by an innings and 300 runs.

India scored 564/8 declared in their first innings. Afghanistan were then bowled out for 152 in their first innings and 112 in their second innings.

Shubman Gill scored 126 runs, while KL Rahul made 100. Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant also made important contributions with the bat.

India's bowling attack kept Afghanistan under pressure throughout the match.

Manav Suthar was one of India's standout performers and was named Player of the Match.

The massive victory gave India confidence ahead of their next Test assignment against Sri Lanka.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Schedule 2026

India and Sri Lanka will play two Tests during the series.

First Test

India vs Sri Lanka

Date: August 15 to August 19, 2026

Venue: Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle

The first Test will be played in Galle, a venue known for helping spin bowlers as the match progresses.

Second Test

India vs Sri Lanka

Date: August 23 to August 27, 2026

Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo

The second Test will take place in Colombo.

The two matches will be important for both teams as they look to collect valuable points in the World Test Championship cycle.

Why This Test Series Is Important

The India vs Sri Lanka series is more than just a bilateral contest.

The two Tests are part of the current World Test Championship cycle, meaning both teams will be looking to collect as many points as possible.

India will want to start the series strongly, while Sri Lanka will look to make the most of home conditions.

Playing Test cricket in Sri Lanka can be challenging because the pitches can offer considerable help to spin bowlers, particularly as the match moves into its later stages.

Spin Could Play a Big Role

Spin bowling could be one of the biggest factors in the series.

India have several quality spin options, including Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar.

Ravindra Jadeja brings experience and can contribute with both bat and ball.

Kuldeep Yadav could become particularly dangerous if the pitch begins to turn. His wrist-spin bowling can create problems for batters who are trying to settle at the crease.

Manav Suthar is another interesting option and could get an opportunity depending on the conditions and team combination.

Sri Lanka are also expected to rely heavily on their spin attack.

Players to Watch

Shubman Gill

Gill will have two important jobs during the series. He will need to lead the team and score runs.

His recent performances make him one of India's most important players.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Jaiswal's aggressive style at the top of the order can put pressure on Sri Lanka's bowlers.

His ability to score quickly could be especially useful if India want to control the early part of an innings.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul brings experience to the Indian batting lineup.

As vice-captain, he will also have an important leadership role alongside Shubman Gill.

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja could be one of India's biggest weapons in Sri Lanka.

His ability to take wickets, score runs and contribute in the field makes him an important part of India's Test team.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep could play a major role if the pitch offers assistance to spinners.

His variations can make it difficult for batters to read him.

Mohammed Siraj

With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Mohammed Siraj could have a bigger responsibility in India's pace attack.

His ability to take early wickets could be important for India.

What Can Fans Expect?

India enter the series with confidence after their huge win over Afghanistan.

However, playing in Sri Lanka presents a different challenge.

The absence of Bumrah means India's bowling combination will be closely watched. The team management will need to decide whether to rely on more pace or use additional spinners.

The return of Sarfaraz Khan also gives India another batting option.

The first Test in Galle should provide an early indication of India's preferred playing XI and strategy for the series.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series: Key Facts

Series: India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026

Number of Tests: 2

India Captain: Shubman Gill

Vice-Captain: KL Rahul

First Test: August 15 to August 19, 2026

First Test Venue: Galle International Cricket Stadium

Second Test: August 23 to August 27, 2026

Second Test Venue: SSC Ground, Colombo

Jasprit Bumrah: Ruled out due to injury

Sai Sudharsan: Ruled out due to injury

Auqib Nabi: Added as Bumrah's replacement

Sarfaraz Khan: Added as Sudharsan's replacement

India's Last Test: India beat Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs

Conclusion

The India vs Sri Lanka Test series 2026 promises to be an interesting contest.

India will enter the series with confidence after their huge win over Afghanistan, but the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan has forced the team to make important changes.

Shubman Gill will have the responsibility of leading the team, while KL Rahul will provide experience as vice-captain.

The first Test will begin in Galle on August 15, followed by the second Test in Colombo from August 23.

For cricket fans, the biggest questions will be whether India's bowling attack can perform without Bumrah, how the spinners handle Sri Lankan conditions and whether Shubman Gill can continue his strong form while leading the team.

The two-Test series should provide plenty of interesting moments as India look to make a strong start to their Test campaign.

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