India vs Sri Lanka: 2nd Test Preview, Analysis & Prediction

India face Sri Lanka in the second and final Test of the series from August 23 to 27, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. India lead the series 1–0 after a 165-run victory in Galle and will now look to complete a series sweep.

India have momentum after a strong first-Test performance, with Devdutt Padikkal making his maiden Test century and the bowling attack eventually finishing the job. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, need a much-improved batting performance to level the series.

Sri Lanka will be without key batters Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, while Pathum Nissanka is also unavailable. That leaves their batting lineup under pressure heading into a must-win match.

India could also make a tactical change in the bowling department, with conditions at the SSC potentially encouraging the use of multiple spin options. Kuldeep Yadav's place in the XI is reportedly under consideration.

Match Details

Fixture: India vs Sri Lanka
Competition: Test Series – 2nd Test
Date: August 23–27, 2026
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Series: India lead 1–0

Key Players

India: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja

Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kamil Mishara

What to Watch

The biggest battle will be between India's batting depth and Sri Lanka's spin attack. The Colombo pitch could make spin a major factor, while Sri Lanka must find a way to contain India's top order.

Team News

Sri Lanka are without Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, creating opportunities for their replacements. India are considering their spin combination, with Saransh Jain reportedly in contention for a debut.

Who Has the Chance?

Sri Lanka: Home conditions and their spinners give them a chance, but they need their inexperienced batting lineup to step up.

India: The visitors have the stronger momentum, a 1–0 lead and greater batting depth. Another victory would complete a 2–0 series win.

Prediction

Sri Lanka should put up a stronger fight in Colombo, but India's overall balance and recent form make them favourites.

Prediction: India to win by 6 wickets