Sri Lanka have announced a strong 16-member squad for the first Test of the two-match series against India, starting on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium.
Dhananjaya de Silva will continue to lead the side, while Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy. Sri Lanka have picked a well-balanced squad with plenty of spin options, something that could make the contest interesting against the Indian batting line-up.
Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka are unavailable due to injuries, but Sri Lanka have still managed to put together a squad that looks competitive on paper.
Niroshan Dickwella and left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka have returned to the Test setup, while youngsters Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Keshara Nuwantha are in line to make their Test debuts.
Sri Lanka Squad for India Test – Full Breakdown
Batters and Wicketkeepers
- Lahiru Udara
- Nishan Madushka
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Sonal Dinusha
- Niroshan Dickwella (WK)
All-rounders and Spin Options
- Dhananjaya de Silva (C)
- Kamindu Mendis (VC)
- Ramesh Mendis
- Keshara Nuwantha
Bowlers
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Milan Rathnayake
- Asitha Fernando
- Lahiru Kumara
- Vishwa Fernando
- Dilshan Madushanka
Sri Lanka Pack Their Squad With Spin Options Against India
One of the most interesting things about this Sri Lanka squad for India Test is the number of spin options available to captain Dhananjaya de Silva.
Prabath Jayasuriya will be the leader of the spin attack. The left-arm orthodox spinner has developed an excellent Test record, particularly in conditions where the surface offers turn.
Jayasuriya has taken 125 wickets from 23 Tests at an average of 32.03. He also has 12 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls in Test cricket.
His role could become extremely important in Galle.
Sri Lanka also have Ramesh Mendis, who gives them another experienced spin option while strengthening the lower order. The 31-year-old off-spinner has taken 71 wickets in 16 Tests at an average of 31.15, with best innings figures of 6/70.
Keshara Nuwantha Gets His Opportunity After Strong Domestic Performances
Keshara Nuwantha is perhaps the most interesting new name in the squad.
The right-arm off-spinner has been rewarded after impressive performances in first-class cricket. Nuwantha has taken 59 wickets from 14 first-class matches at an average of 21.06, including four five-wicket hauls.
His best first-class bowling figures are 7/71, while he has also recorded a ten-wicket match haul.
Nuwantha also featured in the warm-up game against India and picked up two wickets in India’s second innings.
With Prabath Jayasuriya providing the left-arm orthodox option and Ramesh Mendis and Nuwantha bowling off-spin, Sri Lanka have different ways to attack India’s batting line-up.
Dhananjaya de Silva can also contribute with his off-breaks.
Kamindu Mendis gives the captain another unusual option. He is capable of bowling with either arm, although his primary responsibility in this team will remain with the bat.
Can Sri Lanka’s Spinners Exploit India’s Recent Problems?
Sri Lanka’s selection appears to have been made with home conditions in mind.
India’s batting against spin has come under plenty of scrutiny in recent times. The home Test series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa showed that India’s batters can be put under pressure when quality spinners consistently attack the stumps and challenge both edges.
Sri Lanka will surely be aware of that.
Galle has traditionally offered assistance to spin as matches progress, and Sri Lanka have enough options to keep rotating their attack.
Jayasuriya will remain the biggest threat because of his experience and record, but Ramesh Mendis and Nuwantha could also play important roles if Sri Lanka decide to go with a spin-heavy combination.
Interestingly, Sri Lanka have not picked a specialist leg-spinner or a left-arm wrist-spinner in this squad. Their specialist spin attack is mainly built around left-arm orthodox and off-spin bowling.
Niroshan Dickwella Returns to Sri Lanka Test Squad
Another big talking point is the return of Niroshan Dickwella.
The experienced wicketkeeper-batter has returned to Sri Lanka’s Test setup after nearly three years. He last played a Test against New Zealand in 2023.
Kusal Mendis’ injury has opened the door for Dickwella to return.
Dickwella brings considerable experience to the batting unit and also gives Sri Lanka a specialist wicketkeeping option for the Galle Test.
With Pathum Nissanka also unavailable, the hosts will depend on players such as Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva to carry much of the batting responsibility.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara Could Make His Test Debut
Pasindu Sooriyabandara has also been included and could be handed his Test debut against India.
His inclusion comes after being involved in Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s warm-up match against the visitors.
Nishan Madushka is another player who gets his place in the squad after spending time in the middle during the preparation phase, while Sonal Dinusha has also been retained.
Sri Lanka have clearly used the warm-up fixture as part of their preparation before finalising the combination for the opening Test.
Dilshan Madushanka Returns to Strengthen Pace Attack
Sri Lanka have not focused only on spin.
Their pace department also has plenty of options, with Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Milan Rathnayake included.
Dilshan Madushanka is another notable inclusion.
The left-arm fast bowler returns to the Test setup after a long absence. His only Test appearance came against Pakistan in 2023.
Madushanka gives Sri Lanka something slightly different because of his left-arm angle. With Vishwa Fernando also providing a left-arm pace option, the hosts have flexibility while selecting their attack depending on the Galle surface.
A Well-Balanced Sri Lankan Attack for Galle
On paper, Sri Lanka have covered most bases with this squad.
They have experienced batters in Chandimal and Dhananjaya, quality middle-order options in Kamindu, a returning wicketkeeper in Dickwella, several spin options and a pace attack with both right-arm and left-arm variety.
The absence of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka certainly weakens their batting.
However, Sri Lanka’s biggest strength could be their bowling depth.
Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis already have plenty of Test experience, while Nuwantha provides a fresh option. Dhananjaya can also contribute with the ball if required.
Against an Indian batting line-up that has faced problems against spin in recent Test series, Sri Lanka could look to build their strategy around sustained spin pressure.
India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
The two-match Test series begins in Galle before moving to Colombo.
1st Test: August 15-19, 2026 – Galle International Stadium, Galle
2nd Test: August 23-27, 2026 – Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
India will be led by Shubman Gill, while Sri Lanka will have Dhananjaya de Silva at the helm.
Sri Lanka Have Built Their Squad Around Home Conditions
The Sri Lanka squad for India Test looks well suited to the conditions they are likely to get in Galle.
The hosts are missing two important batters in Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, but they have compensated by selecting plenty of bowling options.
Prabath Jayasuriya will be the main man with the ball. However, Ramesh Mendis, Keshara Nuwantha and the part-time spin options of Dhananjaya and Kamindu give Sri Lanka enough depth to keep attacking India if the pitch starts turning.
The pace department also looks settled with Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
India will still start with a strong squad of their own, but playing Sri Lanka in Galle is rarely straightforward. If the surface starts helping spin, this Sri Lankan bowling attack has enough options to make the first Test a serious challenge for Shubman Gill’s team.
