Sri Lanka names 16-player team for Test against India, with Kusal Mendis sidelined.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has unveiled a 16-member squad for the first Test of their two-match series against India, set to commence on August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella is making a notable return to the Test lineup, stepping in after Kusal Mendis was sidelined due to injury.

Leading the team will be Dhananjaya de Silva, with Kamindu Mendis serving as vice-captain. The squad sees the exclusion of batter Pathum Nissanka, while the batting lineup will also feature Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha. This selection reflects a blend of experience and youth as Sri Lanka aims to capitalize on home advantage.

In terms of bowling, Sri Lanka has opted for a balanced approach, including three specialist spinners: Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Keshara Nuwantha. The pace attack is bolstered by Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka. This diverse bowling unit is expected to exploit the conditions at Galle, which traditionally favors spin.

The upcoming series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with Sri Lanka currently positioned sixth in the standings, having achieved one win, one draw, and two losses. In contrast, India, captained by Shubman Gill, sits fifth with a record of four wins and four losses across nine matches, resulting in a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150. As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, Sri Lanka will be looking to their seasoned players, including Dickwella and Chandimal, to guide the team against a formidable Indian side.

With the first Test just days away, the anticipation is building as Sri Lanka aims to leverage their home conditions to secure a vital victory. The return of Dickwella adds depth to the batting order, and his experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the Indian bowlers. As the series unfolds, fans can expect an exciting clash between two competitive teams in the Test arena.