Archive · 14 Aug 2026
India Return to Sri Lanka Tests for First Time Since 2017
India's cricket team is going back to play a Test match in Sri Lanka for the first time since 2017.
The first big match starts on 15 August at a famous stadium in Galle.
The two games are part of a championship called the World Test Championship.
Almost none of the current Indian players have been to Sri Lanka before for a Test match.
Only three players on the team were there the last time.
Back in July 2017, India scored 600 runs in their first batting turn.
Opening batter Shikhar Dhawan hit 190 runs, and his teammate Cheteshwar Pujara made 153.
Sri Lanka could only score 291 runs in reply.
India batted again and set Sri Lanka a huge target of 550 runs.
Captain Virat Kohli scored 103 runs without being out, showing how strong batting sets up a team for a win.
India play their first Test in Sri Lanka since 2017, starting 15 August at Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Only Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav in the current squad featured in the 2017 series.
In July 2017, a Kohli-led India posted 600 in Galle, powered by Shikhar Dhawan's 190 and Cheteshwar Pujara's 153.
Sri Lanka replied with 291 in their first innings, with Dilruwan Perera unbeaten on 92.
India set Sri Lanka a target of 550 and Kohli scored an unbeaten 103 as India's bowlers broke through the hosts' middle order.
- Who
- India and Sri Lanka; Virat Kohli captained India in the 2017 Galle Test, while Jadeja, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav are the current squad members who played that series.
- What
- India play their first Test in Sri Lanka since 2017; the article recalls the last Galle Test, where India posted 600 and set Sri Lanka a target of 550.
- When
- The first Test begins on 15 August, with the second Test from 23 August; the last Galle Test was played in July 2017.
- Where
- Galle International Cricket Stadium, followed by the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo.
- Why
- Both Tests are part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
- Upcoming series
- Two Tests: first at Galle from 15 August, second at SSC Colombo from 23 August
- Championship
- World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle
- 2017 Galle Test
- Opener of a three-match series in July 2017 under captain Virat Kohli
- India first innings
- 600 (Dhawan 190, Pujara 153; 353-run second-wicket stand)
- Sri Lanka first innings
- 291 (Perera 92*, Mathews 83; Jadeja 3 wickets)
- India second innings
- 240/3 (Kohli 103*, Mukund 81)
- Target set
- 550 for Sri Lanka to win
- Current squad veterans
- Jadeja, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav played the 2017 series