Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 16‑member squad for the opening Test of the two‑match series against India, with Dhananjaya de Silva leading the side and Kamindu Mendis named vice‑captain.
Veteran wicketkeeper‑batter Niroshan Dickwella returns to the Test fold after Kusal Mendis was ruled out due to injury. Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been omitted from the squad for the first match.
Sri Lanka squad:
Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka. Draft an engaging news article in English
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025‑27 cycle.
India, led by Shubman Gill, currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with a Points Percentage of 48.15, while Sri Lanka are sixth. With home conditions expected to favour spin, Sri Lanka will rely on experienced players like Chandimal and the returning Dickwella to challenge India’s Test side.
