India will take on Sri Lanka in the second and final Test of their two-match series at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, starting on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Shubman Gill’s India took a 1-0 lead in the series after securing a commanding 165-run victory in the opening Test in Galle.
The match is an important fixture for India in their ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 campaign. Gautam Gambhir’s side will look to collect maximum points and strengthen their position in the race for the 2027 final. They will aim to complete a series sweep in Colombo.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to bounce back after the defeat in Galle. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will hope his team can produce a stronger all-round performance and level the series in front of their home supporters.
India and Sri Lanka have a long Test history since 1982. India have won 23 of their 47 meetings, while Sri Lanka have recorded seven victories and 17 matches have ended in draws. Sri Lanka will now look to improve that record and stop India from completing another series win.
IND vs SL Match Preview & Recent Form
India secured a 165-run victory in the first Test in Galle. Devdutt Padikkal starred with the bat, scoring 167 in the first innings before adding 44 in the second. KL Rahul also played a crucial knock of 82 as India posted 462 in their first innings.
Rishabh Pant played an aggressive 66 off 69 balls in the second innings, helping India set Sri Lanka a target of 372. Manav Suthar then produced a match-winning bowling performance, claiming figures of 6/82. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj also played important roles with the ball.
Sri Lanka showed plenty of fight but struggled to deliver against India's bowling attack. Sonal Dinusha was their standout batter, scoring a determined 100 in the first innings and following it with 84 in the second. Niroshan Dickwella also contributed with a valuable 80 in the opening innings.
Prabath Jayasuriya led Sri Lanka's bowling effort with seven wickets across the match, while Asitha Fernando claimed four wickets in India's second innings. However, Sri Lanka's top order will need to show greater discipline to post competitive totals in Colombo.
India have also enjoyed a strong recent record against Sri Lanka, winning eight of their last 10 Tests against them. Sri Lanka will look to use home conditions at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground to challenge India and prevent a series whitewash.
IND vs SL Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where to Watch 2nd Test?
Cricket fans in India can watch the live telecast of the India vs Sri Lanka second Test on the Sony Sports Network. DD Sports will also provide free-to-air coverage for DD Free Dish users. Fans can stream the match live on the SonyLIV app and website with a subscription.
In Sri Lanka, the match will be broadcast live on Ten Cricket through Dialog TV and PEO TV, along with free-to-air coverage on Siyatha TV. Fans can also stream the Test on the Dialog Viu and PEO TV Go apps. The Sri Lanka Cricket official YouTube channel will provide free streaming.
IND vs SL Pitch Report: How Will Sinhalese Sports Club Play?
The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground usually offers a balanced surface in the early stages of a Test. Batters can expect good pace and bounce during the first two days, while fast bowlers could find some movement with the new ball.
The pitch is expected to slow down as the Test progresses. Footmarks and surface wear could bring the spinners into play from the third day onwards. With fourth-innings batting often difficult in Colombo, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and put runs on the board.
Sinhalese Sports Club Test Stats
Matches Played: 46
Won Batting First: 16
Won Bowling First: 16
Average 1st Innings Score: 323
Average 2nd Innings Score: 354
Average 3rd Innings Score: 273
Average 4th Innings Score: 182
Highest Team Total: 756/5 decl (Sri Lanka vs South Africa)
Lowest Team Total: 81 (Sri Lanka vs England)
Highest Score Chased: 326/5 (Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe)
Lowest Score Defended: 164 (Sri Lanka vs Australia)
Highest Individual Innings: 374: Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) vs South Africa, 27/07/2006.
Best Bowling in an Innings: 9/127: Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka) vs Pakistan, 14/08/2014.
IND vs SL Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Sinhalese Sports Club
Colombo is expected to remain warm and humid throughout the five days of the second Test. Daytime temperatures could reach around 29°C, with mostly cloudy conditions expected at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
There is a 40% to 50% chance of rain and the possibility of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Both teams will need to manage their over-rates carefully and make the most of the available playing time.
IND vs SL Team News & Injury Updates
Sri Lanka suffered a major setback with Dinesh Chandimal ruled out of the second Test after sustaining a concussion while fielding on Day 4 in Galle. Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who replaced Chandimal as the concussion substitute, is set to retain his place in the middle order.
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis also remain unavailable. Sri Lanka have added opener Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige to their squad for the Colombo Test. Kamil Mishara is expected to open alongside Lahiru Udara.
India are considering a change to their spin attack. Kuldeep Yadav could make way after an underwhelming outing in Galle, where he returned match figures of 1/103 from 25 overs. Off-spinner Saransh Jain is in contention to make his Test debut.
IND vs SL Key Player Battles to Watch
Manav Suthar vs Kamindu Mendis:
Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in the match. Kamindu Mendis will challenge the left-arm spinner in Colombo. Suthar will look to attack the stumps and use the rough.
Devdutt Padikkal vs Prabath Jayasuriya:
Devdutt Padikkal enjoyed an excellent first Test. Prabath Jayasuriya will be Sri Lanka's main weapon with the ball. He will try to test Padikkal with his accurate bowling.
Ravindra Jadeja vs Sonal Dinusha:
Sonal Dinusha was Sri Lanka's standout batter in Galle. Ravindra Jadeja could provide India with a key matchup against the left-hander. He will test Dinusha's defence during the middle overs.
IND vs SL Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka: Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kamindu Mendis
India: Manav Suthar, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja
