India will return to Sri Lanka for their first Test tour in nearly nine years, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirming a two-match series in August 2026. The series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 and marks India’s first Test assignment in Sri Lanka since Virat Kohli led the team to a dominant 3-0 series victory in 2017.
The two-Test contest will be crucial for both teams as they aim to strengthen their positions in the World Test Championship standings. With challenging spin-friendly conditions expected, the series is set to provide an early test of India’s progress under captain Shubman Gill.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Test Series Schedule
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the complete schedule for the upcoming series:
First Test
- Venue: Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle
- Dates: August 15–19, 2026
Second Test
- Venue: Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo
- Dates: August 23–27, 2026
The two matches will contribute valuable points toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 standings.
First Test Tour Since India’s 2017 Clean Sweep
India last toured Sri Lanka for a Test series in 2017, when Virat Kohli guided the visitors to a comprehensive 3-0 series victory.
Since then, both teams have undergone significant transitions, making this year’s contest an important chapter in their evolving Test cricket journeys.
Why the Series Matters in the World Test Championship
The Sri Lanka series represents India’s first overseas Test assignment in Sri Lanka during the current World Test Championship cycle.
India have reached the WTC Final twice but are still searching for their maiden World Test Championship title. They currently occupy fifth place in the WTC 2025–27 standings, while Sri Lanka are positioned sixth, making every match and every point increasingly significant.
Shubman Gill Faces Another Major Overseas Challenge
The tour will be another important test for Shubman Gill, who has begun his tenure as India’s Test captain with encouraging performances.
India recently secured a 2-2 drawn series in England before registering a home Test series victory over the West Indies. Those results have provided positive momentum as the team continues its transition under new leadership.
Spin Expected to Be the Deciding Factor
Despite recent successes, India’s batting against quality spin bowling remains under scrutiny.
The team’s struggles were exposed during last year’s home Test series defeat to South Africa, where the batting unit faced criticism for its performances against spin.
Playing in Sri Lanka’s traditionally spin-friendly conditions will present another stern examination. With experienced Sri Lankan spinners expected to exploit familiar home conditions, India’s batters will need to adapt quickly to secure a positive result.
India’s Busy Test Calendar Continues
Following the Sri Lanka tour, India are scheduled to travel to New Zealand later this year for another two-match Test series during November and December.
With consecutive overseas assignments forming a key part of the World Test Championship campaign, the upcoming months could play a major role in shaping India’s bid for a place in another WTC Final.
Key Takeaways
- India will play a two-Test series in Sri Lanka from August 15–27, 2026.
- The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
- India last toured Sri Lanka for Tests in 2017, winning 3-0 under Virat Kohli.
- The tour is another major overseas assignment under captain Shubman Gill.
- Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions are expected to pose a significant challenge.