India arrive at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo on Sunday, 24 August for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, riding high on a commanding 165-run victory in the first Test at Galle International Stadium. A win would hand India their first Test series sweep away from home since December 2022, when they blanked Bangladesh 2-0, and deliver crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points to the two-time finalists chasing a late push into the top two.

Kuldeep Yadav Under the Spotlight

The most pressing selection question surrounds left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who endured a below-par outing in Galle. Across 25 overs in the two innings, he managed just one wicket — the scalp of Kamindu Mendis in his opening spell of the first innings — before losing his trademark lines and lengths. His second-innings introduction came late, by which point Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja had already dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order.

The Indian think tank must now decide whether to persist with Kuldeep's experience and quality or hand a debut opportunity to off-spinner Saransh Jain of Madhya Pradesh, who has claimed 188 wickets in 54 First-class matches. However, a change appears unlikely given Kuldeep's stature in the side and the expectation that a Colombo surface — typically spin-friendly — could bring out the best in him.

India's Batting Positives from Galle

Devdutt Padikkal stepped seamlessly into the No. 3 slot in the absence of the injured Sai Sudharsan, while KL Rahul contributed a composed 82 in the first innings. Rishabh Pant was at his destructive best in the second innings, stroking his way to 66 and helping India set Sri Lanka a daunting 372-run target.

Suthar and Jadeja Lead the Bowling Charge

Manav Suthar was the standout bowler of the first Test, delivering drift, dip, and turn across both innings to finish with figures of 4/76 and 6/55. The performance signals the emergence of a reliable spin option for India going forward. Ravindra Jadeja complemented him with controlled figures of 3/57 and 1/71, while Prasidh Krishna chipped in with a three-wicket match haul across several incisive spells.

Sri Lanka's Concerns and Strengths

The hosts will be disappointed by their top-order's repeated failures across both innings in Galle, with the middle order — led by contributions from Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, and captain Dhananjaya de Silva — doing much of the firefighting. With the ball, Asitha Fernando, Keshara Nuwantha, and Prabath Jayasuriya showed promise, and Sri Lanka will need their top order to fire if they are to level the series at home.

Match Details and Squads

The second Test begins on Sunday, 24 August at 10:00 AM IST at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, with live streaming available on the Sony LIV app and website.

India squad: Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

With a spin-friendly surface expected in Colombo, both sides will have their plans tested. India enter as firm favourites, but Sri Lanka, playing at home, will be desperate to avoid a series whitewash.