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Jasprit Bumrah in Test Cricket (Source: AFP)
Shubman Gill-led India will now shift focus to the longest format of the game after the official schedule for the India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 was announced.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Thursday (July 2) that India will play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in August.
The series comes at a crucial stage of India's campaign in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
With valuable WTC points at stake in Sri Lanka, the spotlight has turned towards India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
The experienced pacer recently shared pictures of himself bowling with the red ball during training, giving fans hope that he could be available for the upcoming Test series.
India Tour Of Sri Lanka Schedule 2026
The BCCI has confirmed that India will play two Test matches against Sri Lanka from August 15 to August 27.
The opening Test will begin on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium, while the second and final Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, starting on August 23. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM IST.
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The series carries extra significance as it forms part of India's journey in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. Currently, India is the 5th place in the WTC standings with 52 points.
The Shubman Gill-led team will be aiming to secure crucial points to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the WTC Final.
Will Jasprit Bumrah Play In The IND vs SL Tests?
Jasprit Bumrah has given a strong indication that he is preparing for a return to Test cricket. The Indian fast bowler recently posted pictures on social media showing himself bowling with the red ball during practice sessions.
Jasprit Bumrah is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a back issue earlier this year.
It is important to mention that his return to red-ball training suggests that he has entered an important stage of his recovery and might be available for the IND vs SL Tests.
The fact cannot be denied that India's bowling attack has often revolved around Jasprit Bumrah in overseas and challenging Test conditions. If he is picked for the IND vs SL Tests, it will be a positive sign for India.
When Did Jasprit Bumrah Last Play A Test?
Jasprit Bumrah was rested from the recently concluded T20I series against Ireland. He has also been rested in the ongoing England T20I series but has been included in India’s ODI squad for the three-match series beginning on July 14.
He has also been named in India's squad for the Asian Games, scheduled to start on September 19.
The fast bowler did not feature in India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, as the match was outside the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
The last time Bumrah featured in a Test series was during South Africa's tour of India in 2025. Across four innings, he picked up eight wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 2.39.
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