Colombo: India intensifies preparations for Sri Lanka Test series

By Arjun Nair / 06.08.2026

By Arjun Nair — 6 August 2026 — 4 min read

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has issued a strong message to his Test squad as they prepare for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. Gambhir has urged players like Shubman Gill and his teammates to ensure they are fully prepared, both mentally and physically, for every challenge from the start of the first match in Galle.

The team’s World Test Championship campaign is gaining momentum, and India aims to improve its position from fifth in the standings. Gambhir emphasized that thorough preparation in the days leading up to the series will be crucial for the team’s performance in Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions.

Training for the Indian team commenced on Wednesday at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) ground in Colombo. The squad is scheduled to play a three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI from August 7 to 9. Following this, they will travel to Galle for the first Test, which is set to begin on August 15. The second Test will take place in Colombo at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) from August 23 to 27.

Meticulous Preparation and Squad Additions

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Gambhir addressed the squad, outlining the challenges ahead. He stated, “Guys, we know what’s in front of us. We know what we are playing for. We can do the volume, we can push our limits, we can tick all the boxes. Come 15th morning, whether we are batting first, or whether we are bowling first, we’re absolutely ready with every answer, every question that’s thrown at us and every answer we’re ready to give. So make sure we tick all the boxes from now on.”

The warm-up fixture holds significant importance, especially after India’s recent difficulties against quality spin bowling. Several key batters, including captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, had already begun focusing on their game against spin before their arrival in Sri Lanka. The three-day match is anticipated to offer vital exposure to the local playing conditions.

For many members of the current squad, this marks their first experience playing red-ball cricket in Sri Lanka. Only Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav possess prior Test experience in the island nation.

Gambhir also took the opportunity during the team meeting to welcome new additions to the squad. These include newcomers Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, alongside the newly appointed fielding coach, Subhadeep Ghosh. Addressing the new players, Gambhir said, “Guys, welcome everyone. We’ve got a couple of new guys in. To start with, Saransh, congratulations, you’ve worked extremely hard to be here. Make sure that you make your family and country proud whenever you get that opportunity.”

He further congratulated Auqib, stating, “Secondly, I want to congratulate Auqib, you had a phenomenal last season, and made J&K win the Ranji Trophy, which is a great achievement. Congratulations once again.” Gambhir also welcomed the fielding coach, adding, “Lastly, I want to welcome Joy as well. He’s worked with so many teams for so many years. I’m sure his passion, his commitment will carry this team forward and make sure that his energy levels will help everyone achieve the target, which we want to do.”

Addressing Spin Challenges and Injury Concerns

To further enhance their preparations, India has brought in four domestic spinners as net bowlers. These include Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam. Their role is to help the batters refine their skills against spin bowling, a crucial aspect given the expected conditions. This strategic move to call up a spin quartet is notable, especially since the main squad already comprises four specialist spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Saransh Jain.

However, the visiting team faces some injury concerns heading into the series. Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out as he has not fully recovered from a knee injury. Additionally, Washington Sundar will miss the opening Test due to a hamstring issue. Other players unavailable for the series include Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep.

The two-match contest is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. India currently holds the fifth position in the table with a points percentage of 48.150, placing them one spot above Sri Lanka, who are sixth with 41.67. The first Test is scheduled to commence on August 15 in Galle.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com