The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has announced a 16-member squad for the first Test against India which will get underway on the 15th August at Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka has not been included in the squad as he continues to recover from surgery on his troublesome wrist. Nishan Madushka, who impressed with twin half-centuries in the recent warm-up game against India, has been named as his replacement.
Kusal Mendis, meanwhile, misses out after suffering a right hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League. Experienced wicket-keeper batter Niroshan Dickwella has been recalled to the Test squad in his place.
Dickwella last represented Sri Lanka in Test cricket against New Zealand in 2023 and now returns to the national setup for the series against India.
The squad also includes a maiden national call-up for 25-year-old off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha. The St. Servatius’ College, Matara product featured in the warm-up game against India and has impressed the selectors with his performances in recent times. Nuwantha has claimed 64 wickets in 15 first-class matches at an average of 22.12.
There are also changes to the pace department, with Isitha Wijesundara and Kasun Rajitha, who were part of Sri Lanka’s squad for their most recent Test assignment against the West Indies, missing out.
They have been replaced by Dilshan Madushanka and Milan Rathnayake. Left-arm pacer Madushanka returns to the Test squad after making his sole Test appearance against Pakistan in 2023. His inclusion provides Sri Lanka with added pace, variety and a left-arm option in the bowling attack.
The two-match Test series against India forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle.
Sri Lanka Squad for First Test
- Dhananjaya De Silva – Captain
- Kamindu Mendis – Vice Captain
- Lahiru Udara
- Nishan Madushka
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Sonal Dinusha
- Niroshan Dickwella – Wicket Keeper
- Ramesh Mendis
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Keshara Nuwantha
- Milan Rathnayake
- Asitha Fernando
- Lahiru Kumara
- Vishwa Fernando
- Dilshan Madushanka
