- Galle hosts WTC opener, crucial for World Test Championship.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming first Test match against India. The opening encounter of the two-match Test series is scheduled to take place at the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, 2026. The series holds immense significance for both nations as it forms an integral part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
The host squad features notable recalls, key absences due to injuries, and a mix of seasoned veterans alongside emerging talent aimed at securing crucial championship points.
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Key Recalls And Missing Stars
The primary highlight of the squad selection is the return of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella to the red-ball set-up. Dickwella was brought back into the side to handle wicketkeeping duties in the absence of star batter Kusal Mendis, who has been ruled out of the opening Test owing to an injury. Additionally, left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka makes his comeback to bolster the pace attack. Meanwhile, established top-order batter Pathum Nissanka has also been left out of the 16-man squad.
Leadership And Squad Breakdown
Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the Sri Lankan side as captain, with dynamic middle-order batter Kamindu Mendis serving as his vice-captain.
Batting Department: The top and middle-order lineup features Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha alongside skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis.
Spin Attack: The slow-bowling duties will be spearheaded by Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya, supported by Keshara Nuwantha.
Pace Unit: Dilshan Madushanka joins a formidable pace battery comprising Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Vishwa Fernando.
Current World Test Championship Standings
Both teams enter this series seeking to bolster their positions on the WTC table. India, led by captain Shubman Gill, currently occupy the fifth spot in the World Test Championship standings. They have recorded four victories and four defeats out of nine matches, accumulating a points percentage (PCT) of 48.150%. On the other hand, Sri Lanka find themselves in sixth position, having managed one victory, one draw, and two losses in their campaign so far.
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Complete Squad List
Sri Lanka Squad (First Test):
Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
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