India Prepares for Sri Lanka Tests Amid Squad Changes

The Indian cricket team arrived in Sri Lanka under the leadership of Shubman Gill for a two-legged Test series starting August 15, 2026, in Galle. The touring party added four specialist net bowlers to tackle spin-friendly conditions: Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam. Meanwhile, batter Sai Sudharsan stayed back at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation following a toe injury.

Sai Sudharsan sustained his toe injury during India A's tour of Sri Lanka and missed the start of the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI on August 7. He has resumed net sessions and is scheduled to join the squad in Colombo by August 8, subject to final fitness clearance. In a separate personnel shift, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to a left knee injury, prompting selectors to name uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi as his replacement.

The Indian squad will play a three-day warm-up match in Colombo from August 7 to August 9 to fine-tune their strategies before the opening Test. The first Test match takes place in Galle from August 15, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo starting August 23. Management is evaluating player fitness closely to finalize the playing XI for the series opener.