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India’s Test Record in Sri Lanka: Historical Head-to-Head and Upcoming WTC Tour

India is scheduled to return to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series from August 15 to August 27, 2026, with ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake. Before starting the official series, the visiting Indian team will play a four-day practice match in Colombo beginning August 7.

What Happened

India holds a strong Test record on Sri Lankan soil, remaining undefeated in the island country since late August 2015. Between 1985 and 2017, India and Sri Lanka contested 24 Tests in Sri Lanka, with India recording nine victories, seven losses, and eight draws. India played its first Test in Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo in August 1985, which ended in a draw. India’s most recent Test loss in Sri Lanka occurred in August 2015 at Galle, where the home side defended a target to win by 63 runs. Since that loss, India has won five consecutive Tests in Sri Lanka. That streak began with a 278-run win at Colombo’s P Sara Oval followed by a 117-run win at the Sinhalese Sports Club in 2015. During their last Test tour to Sri Lanka in 2017 under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, India completed a 3-0 series whitewash by winning in Galle by 304 runs, in Colombo by an innings and 53 runs, and in Pallekele by an innings and 171 runs.

Key Highlights

  • Overall Record in Sri Lanka (1985–2017): 24 Tests played, 9 Indian wins, 7 Sri Lankan wins, 8 draws.
  • First Test: August 1985 at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo (Draw).
  • Last Defeat: August 2015 at Galle by 63 runs.
  • Unbeaten Streak: Five straight Test victories in Sri Lanka since August 2015.
  • Last Series Result: India won 3-0 in 2017 under captain Virat Kohli.
  • WTC Position: India sits fifth in the 2025–27 WTC standings with 52 points and a 48.15 points percentage after nine matches.

Why This Matters

The two-match tour carries important points for the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship. India currently occupies fifth place in the WTC table with 52 points and a points percentage of 48.15 after nine fixtures. Performing well in Sri Lanka could improve India’s position prior to their home series against New Zealand, while Sri Lanka aims to capitalize on home conditions to move up in the WTC table.

What to Watch Next

India will participate in a four-day practice fixture in Colombo starting August 7, 2026, followed by the two Test matches against Sri Lanka from August 15 to August 27, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was India’s last Test defeat in Sri Lanka?

India’s last Test defeat in Sri Lanka took place in August 2015 at Galle, where Sri Lanka won by 63 runs.

What was the scoreline of India’s last Test series in Sri Lanka?

India won the three-match Test series 3-0 during their 2017 tour under captain Virat Kohli.

Where does India currently stand in the WTC table?

India ranks fifth in the 2025–27 WTC standings with 52 points and a points percentage of 48.15 after playing nine matches.

Source: CricTracker