The India Sri Lanka WTC series is officially set to take place in August 2026, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announcing the schedule for the two-match Test series. The tour marks India’s first Test assignment in Sri Lanka since 2017, ending a nine-year wait for a red-ball contest between the two neighbours on Sri Lankan soil.
The series will play an important role in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 cycle, with both teams chasing valuable points to improve their standings. Led by captain Shubman Gill, India will face a challenging Sri Lankan side known for making the most of home conditions.
India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Schedule
Fans looking for the India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 schedule can expect two Test matches at two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cricket venues.
| Match | Dates | Venue | Start Time (IST) |
| 1st Test | August 15–19, 2026 | Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle | 10:00 AM |
| 2nd Test | August 23–27, 2026 | Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo | 10:00 AM |
Both matches are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM IST, with the opening Test taking place at the spin-friendly Galle International Cricket Stadium before the teams move to Colombo for the second and final Test.
A Crucial WTC Series
The India Sri Lanka WTC series carries significant importance for both teams. India currently occupies fifth place in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 48.15, while Sri Lanka sits just behind in sixth place with 44.44.
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With only the top two teams qualifying for the WTC final at Lord’s, every match could prove decisive. A series victory would provide a major boost to either side’s qualification hopes and strengthen their position in the race for a place in the championship final.
Spin Set to Play a Major Role
Sri Lanka has traditionally been one of the toughest places for visiting teams due to its spin-friendly pitches. Galle, in particular, is expected to provide significant assistance to slow bowlers from the later stages of the match.
India’s batting lineup will face a stern examination against Sri Lanka’s experienced spin attack, while India’s own spinners are also expected to play a key role. The battle between the two bowling attacks could ultimately decide the outcome of the series.
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India vs Sri Lanka Test Match Dates
For supporters planning to follow the series, the India vs Sri Lanka Test match dates are:
- 1st Test: August 15 to August 19, 2026 – Galle
- 2nd Test: August 23 to August 27, 2026 – Colombo (SSC)
The short gap between the two matches means both teams will need to recover quickly before the decisive second Test.
What Comes Next?
Following the Test series, the rivalry will continue later in the year when Sri Lanka tours India for a white-ball series featuring three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals.
With valuable World Test Championship points at stake, the India Sri Lanka WTC series promises to be one of the most important bilateral contests of the 2025–2027 cycle. The India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 schedule offers fans two exciting Test matches, and the India vs Sri Lanka Test match dates are now marked on the cricket calendar as anticipation builds for India’s first red-ball tour of Sri Lanka in nearly a decade.
