IND vs SL: Sri Lanka Name 16-Member Squad for Galle Test; Dhananjaya to Lead, Kamindu Deputy

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 16-member squad for the first home Test against Team India in Galle. The Test series (IND vs SL), set to commence on August 15, will see two Tests set to be played in Galle and at the SSC Colombo on August 23. All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva will be leading the side, whereas left-hand batter Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy.

IND vs SL: Sri Lanka Announced Squad for the Opening Test

The selection committee has only announced the squad for the opening Test, featuring 16 members. The notable absentees for the hosts are the batting duo of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Nissanka continues his recovery from a groin strain, while Kusal Mendis sustained a hamstring tweak during the Lanka Premier League, playing for the Colombo Kaps. Both players have been excluded from the Galle Test squad to focus on rehabilitation ahead of the second Test in Colombo.

IND vs SL: Dickwella Recalled; Uncapped Duo Earn Call-Ups

One of the biggest talking points of the squad is the return of seasoned wicket-keeper batter Niroshan Dickwella. The 33-year-old last represented Sri Lanka in Test cricket in early 2023 and returns to offer crucial solidity and aggressive lower-order runs. The squad also features young domestic talents Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Keshara Nuwantha, who have earned a first-time call-up into the national side.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara: The 26-year-old top-order batter earns his maiden call-up following stellar performances in domestic red-ball cricket.
Keshara Nuwantha: The 25-year-old off-spinner earns a national call-up after grabbing eye-catching spells, including a five-wicket haul against India A in the recent 3-day warm-up fixture.

Spin-heavy Team Announced

On expected lines, the selectors have announced a spin-heavy team, as the surface at Galle will be assisting spinners to the fullest. Prabath Jayasuriya will spearhead the bowling attack alongside right-arm off-spinner Ramesh Mendis. Besides the two, Keshara Nuwantha is the designated off-spinner, whereas Kamindu Mendis and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva can roll their arms if needed. The pace attack is equally balanced, featuring Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, and all-rounder Milan Rathnayake.

IND vs SL: Official 16-Member Sri Lanka Squad for the 1st Test

Player Name	Role in Squad
Dhananjaya de Silva	Captain & All-rounder
Kamindu Mendis	Vice-Captain & All-rounder
Niroshan Dickwella	Wicket-keeper
Dinesh Chandimal	Batter
Lahiru Udara	Batter
Nishan Madushka	Batter
Pasindu Sooriyabandara	Batter
Sonal Dinusha	All-rounder
Prabath Jayasuriya	Left-arm Spinner
Ramesh Mendis	Off-spinner
Keshara Nuwantha	Off-spinner
Asitha Fernando	Fast Bowler
Lahiru Kumara	Fast Bowler
Vishwa Fernando	Left-arm Fast Bowler
Dilshan Madushanka	Left-arm Fast Bowler
Milan Rathnayake	Fast-bowling All-rounder

Best Possible Playing XI

Check out the best possible playing XI for Sri Lanka.

Probable XI: Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Kamindu Mendis (VC), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Asitha Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Vishwa Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya

IND vs SL Series Schedule

1st Test: August 15 – August 19 | Galle International Stadium, Galle
2nd Test: August 23 – August 27 | SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo

Sri Lanka has announced the squad specifically for the 1st Test in Galle. They will announce the squad for the 2nd Test after the culmination of the first IND vs SL Test match.