Colombo Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs Sri Lanka XI, 3-Day Warm-up Match
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the India vs Sri Lanka XI three-day warm-up match from August 7-9, 2026, at Colombo's NCC Ground. The crucial preparatory game for Shubman Gill's side, ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Test series, faces significant weather disruption. Fans in India can catch the action on Sony Sports Network and Sony.
Cricket fans and both teams are keeping a keen eye on the skies above Colombo as a challenging weather forecast threatens to disrupt the three-day warm-up match between India and a Sri Lanka XI, scheduled from August 7 to 9, 2026. The crucial preparatory game, which precedes the two-match Test series that forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, is expected to be heavily impacted by heavy thunderstorms and scattered rain throughout its duration. Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Urges Team India To Be 'Ready With Every Answer' Ahead of IND vs SL 2026 Test Series (Watch Video).
The Indian squad, led by captain Shubman Gill, arrived in Sri Lanka on August 4, eager to acclimatize to local conditions before the main Test series. This warm-up fixture at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground in Colombo, originally planned for four days, was shortened to three, beginning at 10:00 AM IST (Indian Standard Time).
Weather Forecast for Colombo (August 7-9, 2026)
Colombo's weather in August is typically hot and humid, with a high chance of rain, averaging between 15 to 22 rainy days throughout the month. The 'felt air temperature' or heat index often reaches a sweltering 35°C (95°F), even in shade. The specific forecast for the warm-up match days paints a damp picture:
| Date | Weather Conditions | Chance of Rain (Day/Night) | Temperature Range | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, August 7 | Heavy/Scattered Thunderstorms | 80% / 65% | 80-84°F (27-29°C) | ~79% |
| Sat, August 8 | Scattered Thunderstorms | 80% / 55% | 80-84°F (27-29°C) | ~80% |
| Sun, August 9 | Light Rain/Scattered Thunderstorms | 50% / 60% | 80-85°F (27-29°C) | ~79% |
Team India's Preparations and Key Squad Updates
The warm-up match is crucial for India's batting lineup to gain valuable time at the crease and for bowlers to understand the local pitches before the Test series commences on August 15 in Galle. Shubman Gill leads a strong Indian contingent that sees the return of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has recovered from a tennis elbow injury. India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Test Series Full Schedule and Time Table.
However, India will be without star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out due to a lingering knee problem and replaced by Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi. All-rounder Washington Sundar is also expected to miss the opening Test, creating an opportunity for off-spinner Saransh Jain, who earned a maiden Test call-up. Left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan, whose selection was contingent on his fitness, is reportedly recovering well from a toe injury.
Sri Lanka's squad for the warm-up fixture is a local XI, with their official Test squad yet to be announced. With persistent rain a strong possibility, both teams will be hoping to make the most of any play possible to finalize their strategies and player combinations ahead of the highly anticipated Test series.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2026 01:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
