Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten has outlined a flexible, situation-based approach ahead of the first Test against India, which begins on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. The two-Test series marks India’s first Test tour of Sri Lanka in nine years, with the visitors returning to the island for the first time since 2017.

India’s record in Sri Lanka makes the challenge even tougher for the hosts. The visitors have won their last five Tests in the country and have not lost a Test series there since 2008. Gary Kirsten, however, believes Sri Lanka must focus on adapting to the match situation rather than relying solely on pre-match analysis.

The South African took charge as Sri Lanka’s head coach on April 15, 2026, on a two-year contract. His appointment brings considerable international experience, having previously coached India from 2008 to 2011 and South Africa from 2011 to 2013. During his tenure with India, Kirsten guided the team to the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup title.

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Speaking during a virtual media interaction organised by Sony, Kirsten explained that modern teams have access to extensive data on every international player. As a result, he does not believe analysing opponents provides a decisive advantage on its own. “Everyone has access to a lot of information these days. For every Indian player, we can watch every ball that they’ve faced for the last 10 years. India too can do the same,” Gary Kirsten said.

Instead, the Sri Lanka coach wants his players to focus on executing their skills and adapting their plans as the Test develops. He revealed that the team has prepared multiple strategies for each Indian batter and bowler, depending on how the match progresses.

Kirsten believes momentum can change quickly in Test cricket, making flexibility essential. He also stressed that Sri Lanka cannot depend entirely on their spin attack to challenge India’s strong batting lineup. The hosts will need contributions across all departments if they are to compete with the visitors.

Sri Lanka have carried out detailed analysis of India’s potential weaknesses, but Kirsten acknowledged that the visitors will have done exactly the same with his team. He believes that preparation is important, but its value decreases once the actual contest begins. “We’ve done as much homework as we can to understand what the potential areas are that we can exploit in the Indian team, as they too would be doing about us,” Gary Kirsten explained.

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The former India coach also warned his players about the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the Test. With only two matches in the series, a single poor session could have major consequences. “Games can be won and lost in one session. And in a two-match series, the series can be lost in one session,” Kirsten said.

Sri Lanka will therefore need to remain disciplined across every phase of the Galle Test. For Kirsten, the key to challenging India will be combining preparation with real-time decision-making, while ensuring the hosts make the most of their home conditions.