India bats first in Galle Test vs Sri Lanka

India's captain, Shubman Gill, won the toss and opted to bat first in the opening Test against Sri Lanka on August 15, 2026. This marks the beginning of a two-match series.

For this crucial encounter, India's playing XI remains largely unchanged from their recent match against Afghanistan. The notable alteration sees Devdutt Padikkal stepping in for the injured Sai Sudharsan, highlighting the team's strategic adjustments.

Sri Lanka's squad will feature a new face as off-spin bowling all-rounder Keshara Nuwantha makes his Test debut. The conditions in Galle are known to be demanding for wicket-keepers, adding another layer of strategy to the match.

This series is significant for India as they aim to strengthen their position for qualifying for the World Test Championship final.