3 players who can prove themselves in IND vs SL Tests 2026

India are set to play a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, with the first Test scheduled from August 15 to 19 at Galle International Stadium and the second from August 23 to 27 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Multiple players will be coming into this series with a chip on their shoulders to cement their places in the side for the future.

The series also carries weight in the context of the ICC World Test Championship. Several members of the 15-player squad will be eager to make a strong impression, whether to cement their place or to stake a fresh claim in the Test setup.

Here are 3 Indians who can prove themselves in Sri Lanka Tests:

3. Auqib Nabi

Clamours for the Inclusion of Auqib Nabi into the Indian set-up have been fervent in the recent past. The seam bowler from Jammu and Kashmir has been one of the most exciting players in India's domestic circuit, picking up 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in 2025-26, earning him the Player of the Tournament award as J&K lifted their maiden title.

Now, being included in the squad as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah, Nabi will be looking to make an early impression on the international scene and back up his stellar record in first-class cricket.

 

2. Manav Suthar

23-year-old left-arm spinning allrounder Manav Suthar earned his place in the squad on the back of a strong Test debut against Afghanistan, where he claimed a seven-wicket match haul. That performance placed him firmly in India's Test plans as a spin option.

Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the Afghanistan series in June 2026, has returned to the squad for this tour. The stalwart, aged 37, is reaching the final swansong of his career, and Suthar's presence helps India develop a clear succession plan. With Jadeja back in the mix, Suthar will need to make the most of any opportunity he receives to show he can hold his own alongside a senior spinner in subcontinental conditions.

1. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is one of the most experienced wicket-keeper batters in the current India squad, having made his Test debut in 2018 against England. His last Test appearance came in November 2025 against South Africa, and his most recent white-ball outings for India were in July and August 2024 against Sri Lanka.

The left-handed batter scored 81 against Afghanistan in the one-off Test in June, a sign of him being at his best in whites. In the tour match against the SL Cricket XI from August 7 to 9, 2026, Pant faced 21 dot balls before getting off the mark with a six, suggesting he is working his way back into rhythm ahead of the Test series. He is coming off a tumultuous IPL season with the Lucknow Super Giants and will be looking to re-establish himself as a key player in the side.