India's predicted playing 11 for the 1st Test vs Sri Lanka 2026

India are set to begin a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15, 2026. Both Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with India currently placed fifth in the standings on 52 points and a 48.15 points percentage after nine Tests.

This is India's first red-ball tour of Sri Lanka in nine years. Shubman Gill leads the side, while Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the series with an injury, and Washington Sundar is also unavailable for the first Test. Auqib Nabi was named as Bumrah's replacement in the squad. Here is CricTracker's predicted playing XI for India in the first Test at Galle.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to open the batting for India at Galle. The left-hander has been one of India's most consistent performers at the top of the order in recent Test cricket. India played a tour match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at Colombo (NCC) from August 7 to 9, 2026, which they won by six wickets, and Jaiswal had the opportunity to get time in the middle ahead of the first Test. His ability to play spin on turning tracks makes him a key figure for India in Sri Lanka conditions.

KL Rahul is predicted to bat at number two in the playing XI. Rahul has experience of opening and batting in the middle order in Test cricket, and his technique against both pace and spin makes him a reliable option in Asian conditions. His presence at the top of the order alongside Jaiswal gives India a settled look to their batting lineup heading into the Galle Test.

Devdutt Padikkal is expected to come in at number three. The left-hander has been in contention for a regular Test spot and the tour match at Colombo provided him with valuable preparation time. Padikkal's ability to play spin is an important factor in Sri Lanka, where the pitches at Galle traditionally offer significant assistance to slow bowlers across the course of a five-day match.