Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI For 2nd Test vs India, 2026

Dinesh Chandimal Replaced. [Source - AFP]

After India secured a convincing victory in the opening Test in Galle, the focus now shifts to Colombo, where India and Sri Lanka will clash in the second and final Test of the series at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

The match begins at 10:00 AM (IST) on Sunday, August 23, with India leading the series 1-0. While the visitors will look to seal a series win, Sri Lanka will be desperate to bounce back on home soil and force a series draw.

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Preview

India were clinical in the first Test, leaving Sri Lanka with very little room to breathe as they secured a 165-run victory in Galle. The hosts now have plenty of questions to answer ahead of the second Test.

Sri Lanka’s opening combination remains a major concern, while experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal has also been ruled out through injury. His absence adds to the hosts’ growing injury list, which already includes Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Plot Colombo Pitch Twist After India’s Galle Humbling

Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been called up as replacements to strengthen the squad. Neither player has made a Test debut yet, but with Sri Lanka desperate to win in Colombo and draw the series, at least one could receive their opportunity.

With the second Test beginning on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Sri Lanka will need to make some crucial selection calls. So, here is a look at their probable playing XI for the second Test against India.

Top-Order: Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara

Sri Lanka’s top-order had a disappointing outing in the first Test, and they will be hoping for a much better performance in Colombo.

Lahiru Udara, the right handed opener, is expected to retain his place as he is averaging 44.14 in his four-match old Test career.

Kamil Mishara could get his first Test opportunity after being added to the squad for this game. The left-hander has plenty of first-class experience, having scored more than 3,500 runs at an average of over 46.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara is likely to continue at 3 after coming in for the injured Dinesh Chandimal. Although he was dismissed for a duck in the first Test, his strong first-class record makes him an exciting option in Sri Lanka playing XI for 2nd Test vs India.

Middle Order: Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella

Sri Lanka’s middle-order was one of the few positives from the first Test and will once again expected to play crucial role for Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Kamindu Mendis will lead the charge at number 4 for Sri Lanka's playing XI in 2nd Test vs India. He has an excellent record, averaging 54.40 in his Test career.

Dhananjaya de Silva scored a brilliant half-century in the last game, with the captain once again expected to lead from the front with both bat and ball.

Sonal Dinusha was the star for Sri Lanka in Galle at 6, producing a brilliant century and following it with a valuable half-century.

Niroshan Dickwella also impressed with an 80, stitching a crucial partnership with Dinisha and is expected to continue behind the stumps at No. 7.

Bowlers: Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando

Sri Lanka’s bowlers did their best to keep the team in the contest in Galle, especially when they bowled India out for 193 in the second innings. However, some changes could still be made in Colombo.

Keshara Nuwantha had an encouraging Test debut, taking four wickets across the two innings. The off-spinner showed enough promise and is expected to retain his place for the second Test.

Prabath Jayasuriya remains Sri Lanka’s frontline spinner and will be crucial at the SSC. He has enjoyed success at the venue, taking 15 wickets in 3 matches and will be expected to make an impact.

Asitha Fernando is likely to lead the pace attack with the new ball. He impressed in the second innings of the first Test, claiming four wickets, and will again be Sri Lanka’s main threat with the ball.

Vishwa Fernando is another change we might see in Sri Lanka playing XI for 2nd Test vs India, pushing for a place ahead of Lahiru Kumara. The left-arm pacer has experience at the SSC and could offer Sri Lanka a different angle with the new ball.