India’s predicted XI for first Test at Galle on August 15 includes changes after warm-up showings
India’s predicted playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium on August 15, 2026, features several regulars while accommodating injuries to Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan.
The two-match Test series begins on August 15 in Galle and India enter the contest fifth in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 points table. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill will be feeling relaxed after a warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo that ended on August 9, when a number of players produced useful performances.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is projected to open for India; the youngster is described as a regular starter and is currently averaging 48 in Test cricket. In the Colombo warm-up he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings but scored 63 in the second, while KL Rahul, his likely opening partner, made 40 in the warm-up first innings.
Devdutt Padikkal is the anticipated replacement at number three for the injured Sai Sudharsan after an unbeaten 142 in the warm-up match; Padikkal has represented India in only two Test matches and is expected to return to the playing XI after more than a year. Shubman Gill is pencilled in at number four; since January 2025 he has scored the third-most runs in Test cricket with 1,109 runs in 10 innings at an average of 73.93, and he missed the first innings of the warm-up due to a blow to his right ring finger before scoring 44 in the second innings.
Rishabh Pant is forecast to keep wicket and bat at number five, the article notes he averages over 43 in Test cricket. Dhruv Jurel is mentioned as Pant’s backup and a possible option to play as a specialist batter; the report says Jurel has impressed with his ability to handle pressure and could add depth to the batting lineup.
Ravindra Jadeja is listed as a regular all-round selection, with the piece stating he has close to 350 wickets and more than 4,000 runs in Test cricket for India and will be dangerous on spin-friendly Sri Lankan surfaces. The spin attack may include Manav Suthar again; Suthar, described as 24 years old, made his debut in the Test series against Afghanistan and took seven wickets including a five-wicket haul. Kuldeep Yadav is cited as the team’s wrist-spinner option, the only wrist-spinner in the squad, who has played 18 Test matches and taken 79 wickets.
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out, Mohammed Siraj is identified as India’s primary fast bowler for the series; the article adds Siraj has had a few iconic spells against Sri Lanka across formats. The report outlines a selection dilemma for the second pace spot between Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar, noting Gurnoor showed ability in the warm-up while Prasidh Krishna might be chosen for his seniority and experience.
The first Test between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled to begin on August 15, 2026, at the Galle International Stadium in Galle.
