3 Sri Lankan players who can trouble India in the 2026 Test series ft. Prabath Jayasuriya

India may have a stronger squad on paper, but Sri Lanka will have the advantage of playing at home. The two teams will face each other in a two-Test series, which is also part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15. Sri Lanka are currently sixth in the WTC standings, just one place below India. They recently played a two-Test series against the West Indies, which ended 1-0 in the hosts' favour, with Sri Lanka managing a draw in the second Test.

Back on home soil, Sri Lanka will look to make the most of familiar conditions, especially with spin expected to play a key role. India are also dealing with a few important absences and are going through a period of transition. Here are three Sri Lankan players who could trouble India in the 2026 Test series.

3. Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka has become an important batter for Sri Lanka and is comfortable against both pace and spin. His ability to stay at the crease and build long innings makes him a key player at the top of the order. India’s bowlers will be keen to dismiss him early.

Nissanka’s batting is based on solid technique, with his back-foot punches and elegant drives being his major strengths. Since making his Test debut in March 2021, he has developed into a more confident and consistent batter. He has also improved his scoring rate while maintaining his strong technique.

Despite his small frame, Nissanka has found a way to combine timing, technique and controlled aggression. His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries can put pressure on the Indian bowlers. In 19 Tests, he has scored 1,310 runs at an average of 42.25, including four centuries and seven fifties.

2. Dhananjaya de Silva 

Dhananjaya de Silva has been a key part of Sri Lanka’s Test team for several years. The experienced all-rounder has scored 4,320 runs in 67 Tests at an average of 39.27, including 13 centuries. Six of those centuries have come at home, making him an important batter for Sri Lanka in familiar conditions.

De Silva comes into the series with good confidence after scoring 129 in the first Test against the West Indies. He also scored an unbeaten 119 against India during their previous tour of Sri Lanka. His experience in the middle order could be crucial for the hosts in this series.

Apart from his batting, de Silva can also contribute with the ball and has valuable leadership experience. His ability to counter-attack when Sri Lanka are under pressure makes him a dangerous player. In 67 Tests, he has scored 4,320 runs, including 13 centuries and 19 fifties.

1. Prabath Jayasuriya

Prabath Jayasuriya has emerged as Sri Lanka’s leading spinner in Test cricket and is expected to play a key role in the series against India. The left-arm spinner has taken 125 wickets in 23 Tests at an average of 32.03 and an economy rate of 3.16. He has been even more effective at home, taking 96 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of 27.26.

India are known for their strong record against spin, but they have struggled against quality turn in recent matches. Jayasuriya can generate sharp turn while maintaining a good pace, which could make him a serious threat on Sri Lankan pitches. This will also be his first Test series against India, giving him a chance to make a strong impression.

Jayasuriya is a left-arm orthodox spinner who can also contribute with the bat lower down the order. He is the fastest Sri Lankan bowler to reach both 50 and 100 Test wickets. In 23 Tests, he has taken 125 wickets, including 12 five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket matches.

Notable Mentions:

Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis has quickly become one of Sri Lanka’s important Test players. The left-handed batter can also contribute with the ball, giving Sri Lanka an extra bowling option during a Test match.

Kamindu can play attacking cricket when needed, but he is also capable of building a long innings. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a player India cannot ignore.

Asitha Fernando

Although Sri Lankan conditions are expected to help the spinners, the heat and dry pitches can also give fast bowlers some assistance. The breeze can help Asitha Fernando get conventional swing, while the surface can offer lateral movement and reverse swing. This makes him an important player to watch in the series.

Fernando was Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker against the West Indies, taking seven wickets in four innings. He has taken 29 wickets in 13 Tests at home at an average of 29.82. He is expected to lead Sri Lanka’s pace attack, even though the conditions are likely to favour spin.

Dinesh Chandimal

Dinesh Chandimal is one of the most experienced batters in the Sri Lankan team. He has played plenty of Test cricket and knows how to handle pressure in difficult situations. His experience could be especially valuable against India’s strong bowling attack.