India are set to step up their preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka with a four-day practice match ahead of the opening Test in Galle. The series, which forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, is scheduled to begin on August 15 and carries significant importance for both teams in the race for valuable WTC points.

According to reports, the Indian team will arrive in Colombo on August 4 before beginning an intensive training camp. As part of their build-up, the visitors will play a four-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) from August 7. The practice fixture is expected to help the players adapt to Sri Lankan conditions before the Test series gets underway.

The NCC ground is located close to the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), which will host the second and final Test of the series from August 23 to 27. After completing the practice match, the Indian squad will travel to Galle, where the opening Test will be played.

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India return to Sri Lanka for a Test series for the first time since 2017, when they dominated the hosts with a convincing 3-0 clean sweep. The visitors will be hoping to replicate that success as they begin another crucial overseas campaign in the World Test Championship.

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Team India will reach Colombo on August 4 for the two-match Test series. They’ll play a four-day practice match before travelling to Galle for the series opener.

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 20, 2026

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will enter the series eager to recover from their recent Test series defeat against the West Indies. Playing in familiar home conditions, the hosts will look to use their spin-friendly pitches to challenge India and improve their standing in the WTC table.

The series carries added significance because of the World Test Championship points at stake. India currently sit fifth in the WTC 2025-27 standings with four victories from nine matches, while Sri Lanka occupy sixth place after registering one win in four Tests. A strong performance could significantly boost either team’s qualification hopes for the WTC final.

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Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce India’s Test squad in the coming days. The selection will be closely monitored as the team management looks to assemble the best combination for the challenging Sri Lanka tour and continue building momentum in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.