The Board of Control for Cricket in India has unveiled the complete schedule for India’s upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka, with the two-match series set to begin in August as part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
The red-ball contest will mark India’s first Test assignment in Sri Lanka since 2017 and could play a significant role in the team’s campaign for a place in the next WTC Final.
India to Play Two Tests in Sri Lanka
The first Test will be played at Galle International Stadium from August 15, while the second Test is scheduled at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground from August 23 to 27.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Test Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 15–19 | Galle International Stadium, Galle |
| 2nd Test | August 23–27 | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo |
White-Ball Fixtures Left Out
There had been speculation that India could also play limited-overs matches during the tour after discussions between the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket. However, the official announcement includes only the two-Test series, with no ODI or T20I fixtures confirmed.
First Test Tour Since 2017
India last toured Sri Lanka for a Test series in 2017 under the leadership of Virat Kohli. The visitors dominated that campaign by winning all three Tests.
Since then, the Indian Test team has undergone a major transition. Among the players from that squad, only KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav continue to feature in the national team’s Test plans.
WTC Points at Stake for Team India
The series carries added importance as India look to improve their position in the World Test Championship standings.
Captain Shubman Gill and his side currently occupy fifth place in the WTC table after nine matches, registering four victories and holding a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.15.
India’s campaign so far includes:
- A 2-2 away series draw against England.
- A 2-0 home series victory over West Indies.
- A 0-2 home series defeat to South Africa.
Although India also played a one-off Test against Afghanistan national cricket team after IPL 2026, that match was outside the WTC calendar.
India Target Strong Start to Sri Lanka Tour
With valuable championship points available, India will aim to begin the Sri Lanka tour on a positive note. A convincing performance in the two-Test series could provide momentum for the remainder of the WTC cycle, even though the team’s position in the standings may not change significantly depending on the series result.
