Galle and Colombo to host India for two Tests in August 2026

Between August 15 and August 27, Sri Lanka will host India's two upcoming Tests in Galle and Colombo. Even though floodlights were recently installed at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, this series will not have a day/night game because both games will start at the usual time of 10 a.m.

India's last trip to the island was in 2017, so this will be their first Test tour there in nine years. India have won five consecutive Tests in Sri Lanka, and have not lost a series there since 2008. Although earlier iterations of the proposed itinerary had included a four-day warm-up match in Colombo, no tour matches have been officially announced.

Additionally, these matches will be the teams' first appearances in Sri Lanka for the World Test Championship. After losing 2-0 to South Africa in their most recent WTC series, India needs points. With four wins, four losses, and a draw, they are fifth in the table, while Sri Lanka are sixth following their innings loss to West Indies last week.

New Zealand is moving up to third place, but Australia and South Africa are currently in a strong position to compete in the WTC final. In 2027, the two teams that finished the cycle in first place will compete for the title. India has participated in two of the three WTC finals so far, but they have not yet won the championship. In the years 2025-27, they will play five home matches against Australia and two more away matches against New Zealand.

Fifth place is Sri Lanka's best finish. At the beginning of next year, a tour of New Zealand is also planned for them.

Despite unseasonal weather, the southwest of Sri Lanka, where both matches will be played, typically experiences clear weather in August. However, showers are not uncommon, especially in Galle, especially in the afternoons.

India's Tests in Sri Lanka

Aug 15-19, 1st Test, Galle
Aug 23-27, 2nd Test, SSC