India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Test Series Full Schedule and Time Table

Cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for an exciting red-ball contest as India prepares to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August 2026. This significant fixture, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, promises intense competition as both sides look to accumulate vital points and improve their standings. The series, which marks India's return to Test cricket on Sri Lankan soil after a nine-year hiatus, begins on August 15 at the historic Galle International Cricket Stadium. India Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series Announced: Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up; Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan Subject to Fitness.

Full Fixture List: India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have officially announced the schedule for the series, with both matches starting at 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), which is also 10:00 AM local time in Sri Lanka.

Where to Watch Live

For fans in India, the entire Test series will be broadcast live, ensuring extensive coverage across television and digital platforms. International broadcasting details are typically confirmed closer to the series commencement.

• Television (India): Star Sports Network
• Live Streaming (India): JioHotstar

Squads and Key Players

India's 15-member Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour has been announced, featuring Shubman Gill as captain and KL Rahul as vice-captain. The squad sees the return of experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, while Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion is subject to fitness clearance. Young talents like Saransh Jain have also earned their maiden Test call-up.

Sri Lanka is yet to officially announce their squad, but Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Vice-Captain Kamindu Mendis are expected to lead their side, which will likely lean on its spin resources to exploit home conditions. Shubman Gill Reclaims No 1 ODI Batter Ranking; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Storms into ICC T20I Top 50 Rankings.

WTC Implications and Head-to-Head

This series holds significant weight as both India and Sri Lanka are looking to improve their positions in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings. India currently sits fifth, just one spot above Sri Lanka, making every point crucial.

Historically, India has maintained a strong record in bilateral Test series against Sri Lanka on their home turf, remaining unbeaten since 2008. The last Test tour in 2017 saw India clinch a dominant 3-0 sweep under Virat Kohli's captaincy. The most recent red-ball encounters were in India in March 2022, where the hosts secured a 2-0 victory. ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 Points Table Updated.

Preparations and Context

Prior to the main series, the Indian squad is scheduled to participate in a four-day warm-up fixture in Colombo starting August 7, allowing players to acclimatize to the local, often spin-friendly conditions. The Test series also follows the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which wraps up on August 8, clearing the stage for the red-ball action.

With both teams eager to gain an early advantage in the World Test Championship cycle and India's impressive record in Sri Lanka on the line, the upcoming Test series promises to be a captivating spectacle for cricket enthusiasts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2026 04:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).