IND vs SL: Predicted India playing XI for the Galle Test against Sri Lanka

The first test match of the India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 will be played at Galle International Stadium, Galle, from August 15-19. This two-match series is crucial for the men in blue. To qualify for the World Test Championship 2027 final, Team India needs to win seven of their remaining nine matches. If India loses this series, their hopes of reaching the final for the second consecutive time will effectively vanish.

Team India has suffered two major setbacks ahead of the series, with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan—who bats at number three—ruled out due to injuries. Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan have been added to the squad as replacements; however, it is unlikely that either player will feature in the playing XI for the first Test.

According to reports, the pitch in Galle will favor batting during the first two days but will assist bowlers over the subsequent three days. Consequently, the team winning the toss might opt to bat first. 

India is expected to field a batting lineup almost identical to the one used against Afghanistan in the solitary Test played two months ago. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will open the innings. The only change will be at number three, where Devdutt Padikkal—who has impressed in domestic cricket and scored a century in the warm-up match—will replace Sai Sudharsan. The middle order will feature captain Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja. Dhruv Jurel is likely to play at number seven. This clearly implies that Sarfaraz will have to wait longer for his opportunity.

Following this, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav will serve as the two specialist spinners, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will be the pace bowlers. Although Gurnoor Brar impressed significantly in the warm-up match, it is likely that Prasidh Krishna will play in this match.

Predicted India playing XI for the Galle Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill ©, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna