India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, hosted the Indian men’s cricket team at India House in Colombo on Thursday, ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan team was also hosted as both sides prepare for the final match of the two-Test series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) described the gathering as a “memorable evening” in a post on X, highlighting the warm interaction between Team India and the Indian diplomatic mission in Sri Lanka.
“A memorable evening in Colombo!” The event provided a relaxed setting for the Indian players before they return to competitive action in the series decider. High Commissioner Santosh Jha also shared pictures and a message on social media, expressing his happiness at hosting both teams.
He highlighted cricket’s role in bringing the two countries closer and said the sport continues to strengthen the longstanding relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
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“Bound by a shared passion for the sport, cricket continues to strengthen the enduring ties between India and Sri Lanka.” On the field, India will enter the second Test with a 1-0 lead and will be aiming to complete a series clean sweep. Shubman Gill’s side produced an impressive performance in the opening Test at Galle, securing a 165-run victory over the hosts.
Cheering for #TeamIndia 🏏 🇮🇳🇱🇰
Happy to host the Indian and Sri Lankan Men’s Cricket Teams during the ongoing ICC World Test Championship matches in Sri Lanka.
Bound by a shared passion for the sport, cricket continues to strengthen the enduring ties between India and Sri… pic.twitter.com/CgWhURE4CV
— Santosh Jha (@santjha) August 20, 2026
A memorable evening in Colombo!
H.E. Mr. Santosh Jha – High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – hosted #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 at the India House in Colombo ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka. @MEAIndia | @IndiainSL | @santjha | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/ft2oZEyUz5
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 21, 2026
India’s success in Galle was powered by several outstanding individual performances. Devdutt Padikkal played a crucial role with a superb 167 in the first innings, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made a memorable impact by claiming his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Sri Lanka will now face a must-win situation in Colombo as they look to level the series. India, meanwhile, will be determined to maintain their momentum and finish the tour with another convincing performance.
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The second and final Test between India and Sri Lanka will begin on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. With the series on the line, both teams will be looking to make the most of the conditions and finish the contest on a high.
