Sri Lanka have announced their squad for the first Test of the two-match series against India, with the contest set to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with the second Test scheduled to be played at the SSC in Colombo from August 23.
Niroshan Dickwella makes international comeback after 3 years
The biggest talking point from Sri Lanka’s selection is the return of Niroshan Dickwella, who last represented the country in international cricket three years ago. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been brought back into the Test setup following Kusal Mendis’ hamstring injury. Dickwella could slot into the middle order at No. 6 or 7, while his experience could prove valuable against an Indian side expected to pose a major challenge in home conditions.
Sri Lanka will also have to cope without Pathum Nissanka, who is still recovering from wrist surgery. His absence has helped keep Pasindu Sooriyabandara in contention, while Nishan Madushka and Lahiru Udara are expected to remain the preferred opening combination.
Three uncapped players and a pace-heavy attack
Sri Lanka have included two uncapped players in Keshara Nuwantha and Sooriyabandara, while left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka has been recalled despite having only one Test appearance to his name. Nuwantha, 25, has recently made a strong impression against India A. He claimed five wickets for 159 runs in the first innings of the A-side match in Galle last month and followed that with three wickets for 97 runs in Sri Lanka’s recent tour game against India in Colombo.
However, his first-class experience remains limited, with just 15 matches under his belt. Madushanka, meanwhile, has spent much of the recent period playing T20 cricket. His only Test appearance came against Pakistan in 2023, and he is still searching for his first wicket in the longest format.
Sri Lanka have also opted for an unusually large group of specialist fast bowlers for a home series. Asitha Fernando is expected to be a strong candidate for the playing XI, while Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Madushanka provide further options. Milan Rathnayaka adds another seam-bowling option as an all-rounder.
Spin remains central to Sri Lanka’s plans
Sri Lanka’s spin department will be led by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, with Ramesh Mendis and uncapped offspinner Nuwantha competing for another place. Sonal Dinusha also offers a left-arm spin option as an all-rounder, giving the selectors flexibility depending on the conditions in Galle.
At the top of the order, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva are likely to occupy the key middle-order positions. The lower order could then feature a combination of Dickwella, Ramesh, Dinusha and Rathnayaka. With India arriving for a two-Test assignment, Sri Lanka will hope the blend of experience and fresh faces can deliver a strong start to their WTC campaign.
Sri Lanka squad for the first Test against India: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
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