India will return to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series from August 15 to August 27, 2026, with valuable ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points up
for grabs. Before the series begins, the visitors will also play a four-day practice match in Colombo starting on August 7.
The upcoming series is crucial for both teams. India currently sit fifth in the 2025-27 WTC standings with 52 points and a points percentage of 48.15 after nine matches. A strong performance in Sri Lanka could significantly boost their chances of climbing the table before the home series against New Zealand.
Here's a look at India's Test record in Sri Lanka:
India have enjoyed considerable success in Test cricket in Sri Lanka over the years. Between 1985 and 2017, the two teams met in 24 Tests on Sri Lankan soil.
Out of those matches, India won nine, lost seven, while eight Tests ended in draws. Their first-ever Test in Sri Lanka came at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo in August 1985, which ended in a draw.
Although India initially found it difficult to dominate in Sri Lankan conditions, their fortunes changed significantly over the last decade.
Unbeaten in Sri Lanka since 2015
India's last Test defeat in Sri Lanka came in August 2015 at Galle, where the hosts secured a 63-run victory after defending a modest target. Since then, India have been unbeatable in the island nation, winning all five Tests they have played there.
Their unbeaten run started with a 278-run win in Colombo (P Sara Oval) in August 2015 before another 117-run victory at the Sinhalese Sports Club later in the same series.
India's last Test series in Sri Lanka
The last time India toured Sri Lanka for a Test series was in 2017 under Virat Kohli's captaincy, and the visitors produced one of their most commanding overseas performances.
India won the opening Test in Galle by 304 runs after posting 600 in the first innings. They followed it up with an innings and 53-run victory in Colombo before wrapping up the series with an even more emphatic innings and 171-run win in Pallekele.
The 3-0 whitewash highlighted India's dominance in overseas conditions and extended their unbeaten run in Sri Lanka. India head into the upcoming series with confidence, having not lost a Test in Sri Lanka for more than a decade. However, the stakes are much higher this time with crucial World Test Championship points on offer.
With India currently placed fifth in the WTC standings, a series win could provide a major boost to their qualification hopes. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will also be eager to make the most of home conditions and improve their position in the table.
