Sonal Dinusha to Captain SLC XI in Three-Day Warm-Up Match Against India

August 7, 2026

Bowling all-rounder Sonal Dinusha has been appointed captain of a 15-member Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI side for an upcoming three-day warm-up match against India. The fixture will take place at the NCC Grounds, with action scheduled to start at 10:00 AM local time on Friday.

What Happened

The three-day game serves as the only preparatory match for the Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, before their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka begins in Galle on August 15. The SLC XI includes several players competing for spots in Sri Lanka’s final Test squad, as multiple regular Test players are currently participating in the Lanka Premier League.

Key Highlights

Leadership: Sonal Dinusha, who has played three Tests since making his international debut against Bangladesh last year, will lead the 15-member squad.
Audition for Test Hopefuls: Sri Lanka Cricket has not yet finalized its Test squad, giving several players a direct audition. Contenders include Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Madushka, Pavan Rathnayake, and wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara.
Notable Performers Included: Left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera, who previously took a 10-wicket match haul against India A, and Kesara Nuwantha, who took a five-wicket haul in that series, are both part of the SLC XI squad.
India Team Details: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set for his first competitive match since the Indian Premier League 2026. Uncapped players Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi are also in line to play.
Injury Update: Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan remains doubtful due to a foot injury and is rehabilitating at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. If ruled out, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to bat at number three.
Full SLC XI Squad: Sonal Dinusha (captain), Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rashantha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Anjala Bandara (wicketkeeper), Nipun Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj, Isitha Wijesundara, Ramesh Mendis, Kesara Nuwantha, and Dilum Sudeera.

Why This Matters

With Sri Lanka’s Test squad yet to be officially announced and established regulars playing in the Lanka Premier League, this warm-up fixture carries direct selection weight for the domestic players involved. For India, the three-day encounter provides acclimatization to local conditions and match practice ahead of the Test series.

What to Watch Next

The warm-up match gets underway at the NCC Grounds at 10:00 AM local time on Friday. Following the conclusion of this fixture, India and Sri Lanka will head to Galle for the opening match of their two-Test series on August 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the warm-up match take place?

The three-day fixture will be played at the NCC Grounds, starting at 10:00 AM local time on Friday.

Who is captaining the Indian team for this tour?

Shubman Gill is leading the Indian squad for the tour.

Why are several regular Sri Lankan Test players absent from the SLC XI?

A number of established Sri Lankan Test regulars are currently taking part in the ongoing Lanka Premier League.

Source: Crictracker