GALLE: Devdutt Padikkal&rsquo;s masterclass and a late bowling fightback from Prabath Jayasuriya defined an absorbing, rain-curtailed second day of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-test-preview-gills-era-begins-in-galle/7541-2-0">Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test</a>. India finished a heavily disrupted day at 460 for 9, firmly establishing their dominance despite a late flurry of wickets on a wearing Galle International Stadium track.

Heavy morning downpours delayed the start of play, forcing the ground staff into an extensive cleanup operation before the action finally resumed. When play got underway, India&rsquo;s overnight pair of Padikkal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant took guard with the scoreboard reading 288 for 2.

All eyes were on Padikkal, who resumed on his overnight score of 131. The elegant left-hander continued his sublime form on SL vs IND 1st Test Day 2, negotiating both pace and the sharp turn extracted by the Sri Lankan spinners. Padikkal put on a clinical batting display, punishing loose deliveries to cross the 150-run milestone.&nbsp;

His magnificent knock of 167 runs off 230 balls, which included 15 boundaries and a six, finally came to an end when he was smartly stumped by Niroshan Dickwella off the bowling of Prabath Jayasuriya. At the other end, Rishabh Pant provided quick momentum with a characteristically aggressive 39 off 62 deliveries, while KL Rahul added valuable runs to register a crucial 82.&nbsp;

Following their departures, lower-order batsman Dhruv Jurel stepped up to ensure India capitalized on their formidable foundation. Jurel played an impactful innings of 51 off 68 balls, striking four boundaries and a maximum to push the visitor&#39;s score past the 400-run benchmark. Faced with a relentless batting onslaught, the hosts relied heavily on their spin spearhead to claw back into the game.&nbsp;

Prabath Jayasuriya proved to be the pick of the Sri Lankan bowling attack, showcasing immaculate control and utilizing the mounting turn on offer. Jayasuriya bowled an extensive marathon spell of 39 overs, finishing the day with impressive figures of 4 for 109. He received support from Keshara Nuwantha, who picked up 3 wickets for 175 runs, ensuring that the lower-order could not completely run away with the game in the final session.

A combination of sharp spinning conditions and disciplined bowling triggered a late-order collapse, preventing India from crossing the 500-run mark. However, with Kuldeep Yadav (12*) and Prasidh Krishna (1*) safely navigating the remaining overs before stumps, India remains in a highly advantageous position.

The match heads into Day 3 with India holding a massive first-innings total, while Sri Lanka&#39;s batters face a steep mountain to climb on a pitch that is rapidly deteriorating and assisting the spin bowlers.

Devdutt Padikkal's 167 put India in control on SL vs IND 1st Test Day 2 at Galle, closing on 460/9 despite Prabath Jayasuriya's four wickets.

Padikkal 167 Drives India to 460/9 on SL vs IND 1st Test Day 2

Devdutt Padikkal made an impressive return on Saturday, scoring his first Test century as India ended the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 288/2 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

The left-handed batter remained unbeaten on 131 after a solid knock in which he gave Sri Lanka very few chances.

Padikkal was brought into the team as a late replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan. His century has now strengthened his case to take the number three spot for India in the long run.

Padikkal came to the crease after Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 because of a misunderstanding with his partner. He and KL Rahul then put together a big partnership to put India in a comfortable position.

Padikkal got to his fifty in 81 balls, while Rahul needed 127 deliveries to bring up his 21st Test half-century.

The pair added 150 runs for the second wicket before Rahul had to leave the field on 77 after suffering from cramps shortly after tea. He hit nine fours and one six during his stay at the crease and is likely to continue his innings on day two.

Padikkal completed his century by taking a single off debutant spinner Keshara Nuwantha, showcasing his grit to play long under tough conditions.

&quot;He was waiting for an opportunity and he&#39;s made most of it today. The pitch offered different challenges. There was assistance for seamers after the rain but he showed lots of character.&quot; said India&#39;s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.

Indian test captain Shubman Gill hit two boundaries in an over from Asitha Fernando but was dismissed for 16. He tried to hit Prabath Jayasuriya over mid-off but failed to clear the fielder.

Padikkal and Rishabh Pant stayed unbeaten until the end of the day. Pant attacked the spinners by coming down the pitch and made 27 not out, with three fours and a six.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka had a worrying moment in the morning session when Nishan Fernando was hit on the helmet while Rahul attempted a sweep shot. He left the field briefly as the team physiotherapist carried out a concussion test before returning later to field in a close position.

Rising batter Devdutt Padikkal scored his first century as India finished Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 288/2 in Galle.

Padikkal Smashes Century On Return As India Dominate Sri Lanka Test Opener

India and Sri Lanka are set to lock horns in the India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test beginning on August 15, 2026, at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The opening match marks the start of a new chapter for Indian cricket under captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, while also serving as India&#39;s first fixture of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle.

This <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2026/763/1">IND tour of SL 2026</a> contest promises to be a tactical battle between two sides looking to make an early statement.

<h2>India vs Sri Lanka Test Head-to-Heads (Last 5)</h2>

<ul>
	<li>India won by 238 runs (March 2022 &ndash; Bengaluru)</li>
	<li>India won by an innings and 222 runs (March 2022 &ndash; Mohali)</li>
	<li>Match Drawn (November 2017 &ndash; Delhi)</li>
	<li>India won by an innings and 239 runs (November 2017 &ndash; Nagpur)</li>
	<li>Match Drawn (November 2017 &ndash; Kolkata)</li>
</ul>

<h2>India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Predicted Playing XIs</h2>

<h3>India Predicted XI</h3>

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna&nbsp;

<h3>Sri Lanka Predicted XI</h3>

Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

<h2>India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Key Player Battles</h2>

<h3>Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Prabath Jayasuriya</h3>

Jaiswal&#39;s aggressive approach against spin will be tested by Jayasuriya, whose accuracy and ability to generate sharp turn at Galle have troubled many visiting batters.

<h3>Dhananjaya de Silva vs Kuldeep Yadav</h3>

Sri Lanka&#39;s captain is one of his team&#39;s finest players of spin, but Kuldeep&#39;s wrist-spin and variations could prove decisive in breaking crucial partnerships.

<h2>India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview</h2>

The opening Test carries enormous significance for both teams.

India begins a new era with Shubman Gill leading a relatively youthful side following the departure of several experienced campaigners. Their preparations have also been affected by Jasprit Bumrah&#39;s injury, forcing the visitors to rethink their bowling plans. Reports suggest India are considering a spin-heavy attack, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar potentially forming a three-pronged spin combination to exploit Galle&#39;s turning surface.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on familiar conditions. Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, the hosts possess a settled batting lineup and one of the world&#39;s most dangerous home spinners in Prabath Jayasuriya. If Sri Lanka&#39;s spinners strike early, they could put India&#39;s inexperienced middle order under sustained pressure.

The outcome may ultimately depend on which batting lineup handles spin better across the five days. India boast superior recent head-to-head results, but Sri Lanka&#39;s impressive home record at Galle makes this a closely contested encounter.

<h2>Watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Live on tapmad</h2>

Catch every session of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/sri-lanka-vs-india-1st-test-live/1159211">India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test live</a> on tapmad. Stream all the action from Galle and follow every wicket, milestone, and turning point as India begin a new Test era against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle.

Also read: <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2026-test-schedule-and-squads/7493-5-0">IND Tour of SL Schedule</a>

Shubman Gill leads a new-look India against Sri Lanka in the 1st Test at Galle. Check out the IND vs SL preview, predicted XIs, key matchups, and pitch details.

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview: Gill’s Era Begins in Galle

Cricket fans across South Asia are gearing up for an electric bilateral series as India travels to Sri Lanka for two highly anticipated Test matches starting August 15, 2026.&nbsp;

Here is exactly where to watch India vs Sri Lanka live and how you can access the stream depending on your location.

<h2>How to Watch India vs Sri Lanka Live in Pakistan</h2>

For cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan, tapmad is the go-to platform providing comprehensive coverage of the series.&nbsp;

If you are looking for a completely seamless, premium experience, the paid subscription tier is your best option. By opting for a paid plan, you unlock an ad-free, high-definition (HD) viewing experience. This ensures that you will not miss a single delivery due to poorly timed commercial breaks.

Alternatively, tapmad offers a free stream tier for Pakistani viewers. However, there are trade-offs to keep in mind. The free version features lower streaming quality and includes regular advertisements throughout the broadcast.&nbsp;

<h2>Where to Stream India vs Sri Lanka Live in Bangladesh</h2>

If you are tuning in from Bangladesh and searching for where to watch India vs Sri Lanka live, tapmad remains your primary digital gateway. However, the streaming model varies significantly from the setup in Pakistan. In Bangladesh, tapmad operates strictly as a paid-only service for this tour.&nbsp;

<h2>How to Set Up tapmad for the Live Action</h2>

No matter which country you are streaming from, getting started on tapmad is incredibly simple:

<ol>
	<li>Visit the Platform: Download the official <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tapmad.tapmadtv&amp;hl=en">tapmad app</a> on your iOS or Android device, or head over to the <a href="http://tapmad.com">tapmad website</a> on your PC.</li>
	<li>Create an Account: Sign up using your mobile number or email address.</li>
	<li>Choose Your Plan: For high-quality streaming, select a premium subscription plan and complete the secure payment process. If you are in Pakistan and prefer the free version, simply navigate directly to the sports section.</li>
</ol>

<h2>FAQs</h2>

<h3>Can I switch from the free tier to the paid tier on tapmad mid-match in Pakistan?&nbsp;</h3>

Yes. If you are watching the free stream in Pakistan and want to remove ads or upgrade to HD quality, you can purchase a subscription at any time during the live broadcast for instant access.

<h3>Will the free stream in Pakistan cover all days of both Test matches?&nbsp;</h3>

Yes. The free, ad-supported tier provides ball-by-ball coverage for the entire duration of the tour.&nbsp;

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

Whether you prefer a casual, ad-supported viewing experience or a premium, crystal-clear HD broadcast, tapmad provides a tailored streaming solution for cricket fans in the subcontinent.&nbsp;

Download the app or log onto the website before August 15 to ensure your digital front-row seat is ready for this epic clash.

Also read: <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2026-test-schedule-and-squads/7493-5-0">IND tour of SL Schedule</a>

Find out where to watch India vs Sri Lanka live streaming online. Get complete details on how to watch India vs Sri Lanka live in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Where and How to Watch India vs Sri Lanka Live in Pakistan & Bangladesh

The India vs Sri Lanka series 2026 is set to feature a high-stakes two-match Test, ODI, T20I series between two major cricketing nations. India will face Sri Lanka under the leadership of newly appointed captain Shubman Gill.&nbsp;

The series is part of the 2025&ndash;2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, making every Test important for both teams. India enters the series after a six-wicket victory against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI in a three-day warm-up match, while Sri Lanka will look to use home conditions in Galle and Colombo to challenge the visitors.

<h2>India vs Sri Lanka Complete Schedule 2026</h2>

Here is the complete India vs Sri Lanka schedule 2026 with match dates, venues, timings, and status.

<table cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:657px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			Match Type
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			Match Details
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			Date
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Venue
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			Time (PKT)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			Time (BST)
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			Warm-up Match
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			3-Day Tour Match
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			07 Aug &ndash; 09 Aug 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			10:00 AM
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			11:00 AM
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			Test Series (in SL)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			1st Test Match
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			15 Aug &ndash; 19 Aug 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Galle International Stadium, Galle
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			10:00 AM
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			11:00 AM
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			Test Series (in SL)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			2nd Test Match
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			23 Aug &ndash; 27 Aug 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			10:00 AM
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			11:00 AM
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			ODI Series (in India)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			1st ODI (D/N)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			13 Dec 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			01:30 PM
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			02:30 PM
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			ODI Series (in India)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			2nd ODI (D/N)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			16 Dec 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			01:30 PM
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			02:30 PM
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			ODI Series (in India)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			3rd ODI (D/N)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			19 Dec 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			01:30 PM
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			02:30 PM
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			T20I Series (in India)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			1st T20I (N)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			22 Dec 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium, Rajkot
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			06:30 PM
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			07:30 PM
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			T20I Series (in India)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			2nd T20I (N)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			24 Dec 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			06:30 PM
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #dcdfe5; border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			07:30 PM
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:118px">
			T20I Series (in India)
			</td>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:93px">
			3rd T20I (N)
			</td>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:99px">
			27 Dec 2026
			</td>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:207px">
			Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
			</td>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			06:30 PM
			</td>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			07:30 PM
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Key Player Battles to Watch in India vs Sri Lanka 2026</h2>

<h3>Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Prabath Jayasuriya</h3>

Yashasvi Jaiswal&#39;s aggressive left-handed batting will face a major test against Sri Lanka&#39;s slow left-arm orthodox spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.&nbsp;

<h3>Dimuth Karunaratne vs Mohammed Siraj</h3>

Dimuth Karunaratne&#39;s defensive technique and experience at the top of Sri Lanka&#39;s batting order will be tested against Mohammed Siraj&#39;s aggressive new-ball bowling.&nbsp;

<h3>Dhananjaya de Silva vs Ravindra Jadeja</h3>

Jadeja&#39;s accurate left-arm spin and ability to vary his pace will challenge Sri Lanka&#39;s captain, while De Silva&#39;s batting and off-spin could provide an important counter to India&#39;s all-rounder.

<h2>India Test Squad</h2>

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/shubman-gill-eyes-redemption-india-cricket-world-cup-2027/4320-5-0">Shubman Gill</a>, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Devdutt Padikkal.

<h2>Sri Lanka Test Squad</h2>

Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha.

<h2>Watch India vs Sri Lanka Live on tapmad</h2>

Cricket fans can watch the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2026/763/1">India vs Sri Lanka series live</a> on tapmad, subject to broadcast availability in their region. Check tapmad for live streaming availability, match timings, and coverage updates throughout the India tour of Sri Lanka 2026.

Get the India vs Sri Lanka schedule for the India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 series, featuring Shubman Gill's India against Sri Lanka in Galle and Colombo.

India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Schedule and Squads

Sarfaraz Khan is back in India&rsquo;s Test squad after the BCCI confirmed him as Sai Sudharsan&rsquo;s replacement for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning August 15 in Galle. Sudharsan has been ruled out with a right toe stress reaction.&nbsp;

For Sarfaraz, the recall comes after a long wait. His last Test appearance came against New Zealand in 2024, and despite continuing to pile up runs in domestic cricket, he has struggled to secure a regular place in India&rsquo;s red-ball plans.

Now the debate starts again. Will he actually get into the playing XI?

The timing makes the decision even more interesting. Devdutt Padikkal has also put himself in contention after scoring heavily in the warm-up game, while Dhruv Jurel remains another option in the batting group. Sarfaraz has earned the recall, but earning a starting spot could prove considerably harder.

India have already lost several players to injuries. Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are sidelined, while Washington Sundar will miss the opening Test and Akash Deep continues his recovery.

That leaves India heading into India vs Sri Lanka Tests with a squad that looks increasingly stretched.

Sarfaraz&#39;s return could therefore become one of the biggest selection talking points before the first Test. The Sarfaraz Khan India Test squad comeback gives him another shot at forcing his way back into the side.

India sit fifth in the WTC standings, making these matches important from the outset. There is little room for selection experiments if points start slipping away.

And that is where Sarfaraz&#39;s return gets interesting. A recall is one thing. Turning it into a run in the XI is another.

<h2>Updated India Squad</h2>

Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Rishabh Pant (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal,&nbsp; Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain,&nbsp; Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan is back in India’s Test squad after Sai Sudharsan’s injury, but his return raises a bigger question ahead of the Sri Lanka series.

Sarfaraz Khan Returns As India Face Fresh Selection Dilemma

India&#39;s plans for the opening Test in Sri Lanka have been reshaped even before a ball has been bowled, with Sai Susharsan ruled out of Test series after failing to recover from a toe stress fracture. The left-hander, originally included in the touring squad, did not travel with the team and India are yet to announce who will fill the vacant spot.

The latest setback leaves the visitors juggling both selection and fitness concerns ahead of the two-match series. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has already been withdrawn, while injuries have also sidelined Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep. All-rounder Washington Sundar is expected to miss at least the opening Test.

Despite the growing injury list, India&#39;s batting depth received a timely boost during the warm-up fixture in Colombo. Devdutt Padikkal strengthened his claims for a place in the XI with a century at No. 3, a position that had been earmarked for Sudharsan before the injury setback. His performance now offers the team management an immediate solution as Sai Sudharsan injured forces a rethink of the batting order.

There is also uncertainty surrounding captain <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/shubman-gill-becomes-no-1-odi-batter-in-icc-rankings/7303-5-0">Shubman Gill</a>, who missed the ongoing practice match after hurting the ring finger on his right hand in training. While there has been no indication that he will miss the series opener, the medical staff continue to monitor his recovery.

The Sri Lanka tour marks another important phase in India&#39;s ICC World Test Championship campaign. The team currently occupies fifth place in the standings after nine matches and will be looking to regain momentum when the first Test begins in Galle on August 15. The second match is scheduled to be played at Colombo&#39;s Sinhalese Sports Club Ground from August 23.

With one squad vacancy still to be filled and several senior players racing against time to regain fitness, India&#39;s final combination for the series is likely to remain undecided until closer to the opening Test.

India suffers a major blow as Sai Sudharsan is ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series due to a toe injury, opening the door for Devdutt Padikkal.

Sai Sudharsan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series

India have wasted little time settling into Sri Lanka. Barely two days after arriving, the visitors squeezed in two demanding practice sessions before Friday&#39;s lone warm-up match against the SLC XI. Every drill carried the same message. Prepare for spin, and prepare for it properly.

The opening Galle Test starts on August 15, with valuable World Test Championship points up for grabs. India sit fifth in the standings, just ahead of Sri Lanka, making this series far more significant than an ordinary overseas assignment.

The practice venue at the Nondescript Cricket Club remained heavily guarded, but inside the ropes the mood was all business. Dry practice strips quickly became the centre of attention as India&#39;s batters and bowlers spent hours adjusting to conditions expected during the India vs Sri Lanka Test.

<h2>India recreate Galle conditions with daring practice plan</h2>

Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav bowled lengthy spells, testing KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and several other batters. Captain Shubman Gill also returned to training after his thumb scare, easing concerns over his fitness before the opening Test.

Kuldeep continued well beyond his scheduled spell, chatting with teammates between deliveries while studying how the surface behaved. Newcomers Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain also received extended workloads, with Jain specifically targeting left-handed batters as India&#39;s lone specialist off-spinner.

Then came the most fascinating move of the day.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak abandoned one prepared practice strip altogether. Instead, they measured out a fresh 22-yard pitch across uneven ground filled with cracks, patches of grass and loose soil to imitate the unpredictable nature of a fourth-day Galle Test wicket.

Local schoolboy spinners were invited onto the makeshift surface and told to bowl freely. The response was immediate. One ball leapt sharply from a length, another skidded low, while several spun violently enough to beat even well-set batters.

India&#39;s top order rotated through the challenge without complaint. The unpredictable bounce forced players to rethink every movement, exactly the kind of examination they expect during the India vs Sri Lanka Test.

The unusual session underlined India&#39;s determination to leave nothing to chance. Rather than relying on conventional net practice, the visitors chose controlled chaos, believing uncomfortable preparation now could deliver valuable rewards when the first ball is bowled in Galle.

India sharpen spin skills with rough pitches and schoolboy spinners as preparations intensify ahead of the high stakes Galle Test against Sri Lanka.

India Ditch Flat Pitches for Training Ahead of Galle Test

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India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

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