Before the second and final Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket squad has landed in Colombo. The game is slated to begin on Sunday, August 23, and go through August 27 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in the capital city.
The Indians had a 1-0 series advantage when they arrived in Colombo. The first Test, which took place at Galle from August 15 to August 19, 2026, was won by them by 165 runs. As the series’ Test captain, Shubman Gill is in charge of the team. India would win the series if they won or drew in Colombo.
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Thank you, Galle 👋
Hello again, Colombo! 🙌#TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/R5hanBlw9m
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 20, 2026
India’s ultimate selection for the second Test is likely to be influenced by the SSC Ground’s history of providing support to spinners as the game goes on. When deciding on their starting lineup, India’s team management will keep in mind that the SSC’s pitch conditions have historically favoured teams with a potent spin assault.
Which Indian players will not be participating in the series?
Prior to this series, India had to deal with two serious injury setbacks. Their most seasoned pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was sidelined for both Tests due to a left knee injury. The young bowler had a chance to establish himself at this level when Auqib Nabi was selected into the team to replace Bumrah.
Due to a toe injury, Sai Sudharsan was also unable to play in the series, which further limited the batting choices available to the team management. Prior to the Colombo Test, his absence has changed the makeup of the available batting group.
Positively, Ravindra Jadeja’s comeback to the Test team for the series restored the team’s all-around balance and experience. At the SSC Ground, where the surface is anticipated to support spin bowling as the game goes on, Jadeja’s presence is especially important.
At the SSC Ground, who may bolster India’s batting order?
Now that Sai Sudharsan isn’t available, the focus is on who will bat in the middle order. After scoring 167 in the first innings and 44 in the second, Devdutt Padikkal made a compelling case for himself with his game-winning century in the series opener. His form has given the team management confidence ahead of the series finale, and he is scheduled to bat at number three for India at the SSC Ground in Colombo.
As of this writing, the precise makeup of India’s starting lineup for the second Test has not been confirmed. The management of the squad will carefully consider all of their alternatives, especially considering how spin-friendly the SSC pitch is. India will be eager to finish the series on Sri Lankan soil, and the lineup they choose will take into account the available conditions as well as the players’ availability following the two pre-series injuries.
