India are set to tour Sri Lanka for a Test series after a gap of nine years, with Shubman Gill‘s side facing one of their toughest overseas assignments. The two-match series begins on August 15 in Galle and forms part of the ongoing World Test Championship.
The series has become crucial for India after their disappointing 2-0 home defeat to South Africa. Currently placed fifth in the World Test Championship standings, India need a strong performance to improve their position in the points table.
India last played a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2017 and completed a convincing 3-0 whitewash. However, this tour is expected to be far more challenging. Sri Lanka’s spin attack, led by Prabhath Jayasuriya and supported by Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis, is likely to pose a stern test on turning pitches.
To prepare for the conditions, the selectors sent an India A squad to Galle ahead of the series. The move produced encouraging results, with Sai Sudharsan scoring 132 and Dhruv Jurel making 141 in the first unofficial Test.
The opening Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test is scheduled in Colombo from August 23 to 27. India are yet to announce their squad for the series.
Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, India have already drawn the England series 2-2 and defeated the West Indies at home. The Sri Lanka tour now presents another important challenge as the team looks to strengthen its World Test Championship campaign.
