India will face Sri Lanka in the first Test of their two-match series at the Galle International Stadium from Saturday, August 15. The match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with both teams fighting for crucial points.
India are currently at fifth in the WTC standings with a 48.15% points percentage, while Sri Lanka are sixth with 41.67%. The Galle Test is important for both sides to improve their positions and strengthen their WTC campaigns.
India have won 22 out of 46 head-to-head Test matches and Sri Lanka seven. Sri Lanka will also look to end their 18-year wait for a Test victory over India on home soil.
The Galle International Stadium often helps spinners. India experienced these conditions in the 2017 Test in Galle, when Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin troubled Sri Lanka. Jadeja will again have a key role for India in the upcoming match.
IND vs SL Match Preview & Recent Form
Sri Lanka will enter the series after winning only one of their last six Tests. Their only victory came against the West Indies, while injuries to Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have forced changes.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Dinesh Chandimal will carry much of the batting responsibility. Prabath Jayasuriya will be Sri Lanka's main bowlers at Galle. He has taken 85 Test wickets at the venue. Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, and Vishwa Fernando will also play important roles.
India are looking to improve their position in the WTC 2025-27 cycle. Shubman Gill scored 126 in the recent Test against Afghanistan. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to open, while Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel add depth to the middle order.
India will miss Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar for the opening Test. Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack, while Prasidh Krishna, Auqib Nabi, and Gurnoor Brar are in contention for the remaining spots. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar will handle spin bowling.
IND vs SL Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where To Watch 1st Test?
Fans in India can watch the live telecast of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka on the Sony Sports Network. The match will also be available for live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website. Play will begin at 10:00 AM IST each day.
Outside India, fans can watch the India vs Sri Lanka Test series through different television and streaming platforms. In Sri Lanka, the matches will be available on Siyatha TV, Dialog TV and Peo TV, with streaming on the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel and Dialog Viu.
IND vs SL Pitch Report: How Will Galle International Stadium Play?
The Galle International Stadium usually starts as a good batting surface, with true bounce helping batters during the first two days. As the Test progresses, the pitch tends to deteriorate and offer more turn, variable bounce, and cracks.
Spinners should become more effective from Day 3 onwards. Pacers can get some movement early because of the coastal conditions, but the spinners are likely to have a greater impact. The coastal winds at Galle can also help spinners generate extra drift and movement through the air.
Galle International Stadium Test Stats
Total Matches Played: 49
Won Batting First: 26
Expected First Innings Score: 370-380
Highest Team Total: 704/3 declared (Sri Lanka vs Ireland, 2023)
Lowest Team Total: 73 (South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2018)
IND vs SL Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Galle International Stadium
Galle is expected to remain warm and humid throughout the five-day Test, with daytime temperatures reaching around 31°C and evening temperatures dropping to about 28°C. The humidity could impact players, especially during long spells in the field.
Mostly cloudy skies and intermittent rain are expected during the match. The chance of rain could range between 25% and 40% on some days, raising the possibility of short interruptions. However, the forecast should still allow enough time for play across most sessions.
IND vs SL Team News & Injury Updates
Sri Lanka will miss Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis for the series. Their absence has opened the door for Niroshan Dickwella, who returns to the Test squad for the first time since 2023. Lahiru Udara and Milan Rathnayake also retain their places after recent performances against the West Indies.
India will be without Jasprit Bumrah for the series after the fast bowler was ruled out with an injury. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has replaced him in the squad, while Washington Sundar will also miss the first Test. Sarfaraz Khan has replaced the injured Sai Sudharsan.
Shubman Gill has been cleared to play after recovering from the finger injury he suffered during the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Ravindra Jadeja will lead India's spin attack alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar.
IND vs SL Predicted Playing 11 Today
Sri Lanka Predicted XI:
Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Ramesh Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
India Predicted XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Gurnoor Brar.
IND vs SL Key Player Battles to Watch
Shubman Gill vs Prabath Jayasuriya:
Shubman Gill scored 126 in his previous Test against Afghanistan. Prabath Jayasuriya has taken 85 wickets at the Galle International Stadium and will look to trouble Gill with drift, turn, and changes in flight.
Kamindu Mendis vs Ravindra Jadeja:
Kamindu Mendis, who averages 58.12 in Test cricket, has become an important part of Sri Lanka's middle order. Ravindra Jadeja will look to keep him under pressure with accurate bowling.
Dinesh Chandimal vs Mohammed Siraj:
Dinesh Chandimal brings plenty of experience in home conditions and will be important to Sri Lanka's middle order. Mohammed Siraj will look to attack him with hard lengths and movement.
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka: Prabath Jayasuriya, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal
India: Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj
