Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 15-member SLC XI squad for the three-day warm-up match against Team India, scheduled to be played at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) in Colombo from August 7 to 9. The fixture will serve as India’s only practice game ahead of the crucial two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15.
The SLC XI features a blend of experienced international cricketers and promising domestic performers. Leading the side is all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who made his Test debut against Bangladesh in June 2025. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a promising start to his international career, scoring 186 runs in three Tests at an impressive average of 46.50 while also claiming six wickets with his left-arm spin.
Top-order batter Nishan Madushka, who was part of Sri Lanka’s recent Test tour of the West Indies, has also been named in the squad. The right-hander brings valuable experience, having represented Sri Lanka in 12 Tests and eight One-Day Internationals.
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The bowling attack will be strengthened by experienced fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando. Kumara featured in Sri Lanka’s recent Caribbean tour, while Fernando will be looking to push for a return to the national side after being out of the Test setup since last year. Spin-bowling all-rounder Ramesh Mendis, another player with international experience across all three formats, has also been included.
India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026
SLC XI for Three-Day Warm-Up Match Against India
The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has named the following 15-member SLC XI squad for the three-day warm-up match against India.
The match will commence tomorrow, 7 August, at the NCC Grounds, … pic.twitter.com/Fo3SOzVcOm— Cricwire (@CricWireLK) August 6, 2026
The warm-up fixture has generated significant interest among Indian fans, with live coverage available on Sony Ten 1 and streaming on SonyLIV from 10:00 AM IST on all three days.
For Shubman Gill’s side, the practice match carries added importance as they prepare for a must-win Test series in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Currently fifth in the standings, India need a strong performance in Sri Lanka, and a 2-0 series victory would significantly strengthen their hopes of securing a place in the WTC final for the third time.
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The SLC XI squad: Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rashantha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha (captain), Anjala Bandara (wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Nipun Dananjaya, Ramesh Mendis, Kesara Nuwantha, Dilum Sudeera, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj and Isitha Wijesundara.
