Sri Lanka name 16-man squad for first Test against India at Galle

Sri Lanka have named a 16-member squad for the first Test against India, to be played from August 15 to 19, 2026, at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Dhananjaya De Silva will captain the side, with Kamindu Mendis named as vice-captain.

The two-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, meaning every result carries direct points implications for both sides. The series also marks India's first Test tour of Sri Lanka in nine years, lending the occasion added historical significance.

Sri Lanka head into the contest on the back of a difficult run of form. The hosts suffered an innings defeat to West Indies by 217 runs in June 2026, a result that raised questions about their readiness ahead of a demanding home assignment against one of the top-ranked Test nations.

How does Sri Lanka's spin attack shape up for conditions at Galle?

Galle has long been a venue where spin plays a decisive role, and Sri Lanka's squad reflects that reality. Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis provide the primary spin options, while Kamindu Mendis, who also serves as vice-captain, adds a third spin dimension to the attack. Keshara Nuwantha is another spin option included in the 16-member group.

The pace department is not overlooked, with Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka all named in the squad. That combination gives the selectors flexibility to adapt to pitch conditions across the five days. Niroshan Dickwella has been retained as the specialist wicketkeeper.

What does this series mean for Sri Lanka's WTC 2025-27 campaign?

The two-match series against India carries significant weight in the context of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. A strong home performance against a high-ranked opponent would provide a meaningful boost to Sri Lanka's points tally and their prospects of qualifying for the WTC final.

The squad blends experience with emerging talent. Dinesh Chandimal and Dickwella bring considerable Test experience to the middle order and keeping duties respectively, while Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha represent the newer generation pushing for regular Test places. Milan Rathnayake adds further depth to the bowling options available to De Silva.

Sri Lanka full squad for first Test against India

Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (Wicket Keeper), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka