India begin WTC 2025-27 campaign in Sri Lanka with two-Test series starting August 15
India begin WTC 2025-27 campaign in Sri Lanka with two-Test series starting August 15
The India vs Sri Lanka Test series carries added significance as both teams look to improve their standings in the World Test Championship 2025-27. Scheduled across two iconic venues, the series begins at Galle International Stadium on August 15, with the second Test set to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, from August 23.
India's road back to the championship
For India, the contest represents their first World Test Championship assignment since suffering a 0-2 series defeat to South Africa at home in November 2025. That setback dented India's hopes in the standings, leaving them fifth with 48.15 PCT after nine matches.
Since then, India have played only one red-ball fixture — a dominant innings-and-300-run victory over Afghanistan in New Chandigarh in June 2026. However, that one-off Test was outside the WTC framework, making the India vs Sri Lanka Test series their long-awaited return to championship action.
The stakes in the WTC table
The current WTC table underlines the importance of the series. Australia lead the standings with 87.50 PCT, followed by defending champions South Africa (75.00 PCT), New Zealand (72.22 PCT) and Bangladesh (58.33 PCT). Sri Lanka are placed sixth with 41.67 PCT, just behind India, meaning the outcome of the IND vs SL Test series could significantly alter the middle order of the championship table.
Gill's side eye fresh chapter
With Shubman Gill continuing to lead India's Test side, the tour offers an opportunity to begin a fresh chapter after last year's disappointing home series against South Africa. The conditions in Galle and Colombo are expected to test both batting and spin departments, making every session crucial in a series that could shape India's WTC campaign.
As the India vs Sri Lanka rivalry resumes in the longest format, the visitors will be aiming to secure valuable World Test Championship points, climb the standings and make a strong statement in their first WTC Test series in nearly nine months.