# India-Sri Lanka Test cricket series

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-sri-lanka-test-cricket-series
> Updated: 2026-08-26T12:05:44.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 7.

India is touring Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August 2026, following the appointment of former India head coach Gary Kirsten as Sri Lanka’s new Test coach.

During the first Test at Galle, Rishabh Pant became the fastest player globally to reach 100 Test sixes (4,918 balls) and the first Indian or Asian cricketer to achieve the feat. His performance also made him India’s highest-scoring batter in World Test Championship (WTC) history with 2,885 runs. While his aggressive shot selection drew some criticism from former batter Mohammad Kaif, his second-innings 66 helped India set a target of 372 and secure a 165-run victory.

In the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Stadium in Colombo, Pant continued his record-breaking form by surpassing MS Dhoni for the most runs scored by an Indian wicketkeeper in away Tests or at neutral venues, reaching 2,534 runs. However, injury concerns mounted after he was struck on the left wrist on Day 1 and sustained a right shoulder injury on Day 2. Consequently, Pant was seen in a sling and removed from wicketkeeping duties, with Dhruv Jurel taking over behind the stumps. Jurel contributed an unbeaten 115 to aid India’s first-innings total of 503/9.

As the match progressed into Day 3, India maintained control despite mounting health challenges. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj left the field on Day 4 after suffering a suspected rib injury following a heavy landing. Sri Lanka showed resilience in their second innings, led by Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha, who remained unbeaten on 85. By the end of Day 3, Sri Lanka reached 265/8, trailing India by 238 runs. Heavy rain forecasts for Day 4 threaten to force a draw and impact India’s ability to force a result.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Rishabh Pant rises to seventh in ICC Test batting rankings

Rishabh Pant has risen to seventh in the ICC Test batting rankings after a strong series against Sri Lanka, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has dropped to 11th.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-rises-to-seventh-in-icc-test-batting-rankings

### 2026-08-24: India maintains control in Colombo Test despite player injuries

India holds a 238-run lead in the second Test against Sri Lanka, but faces injury concerns for Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj amid threats of rain in Colombo.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-breaks-records-and-damages-stadium-solar-panel

### 2026-08-21: Rishabh Pant becomes India’s leading WTC run-scorer

Rishabh Pant has become India’s top run-scorer in the World Test Championship, surpassing Shubman Gill during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-becomes-indias-leading-wtc-run-scorer

### 2026-08-18: Rishabh Pant sets records for most WTC runs and Test sixes for India

Rishabh Pant became the first Indian to hit 100 Test sixes and the highest WTC run-scorer for India during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-hits-100-test-sixes-in-india-vs-sri-lanka-match

### 2026-08-15: Rishabh Pant hits 100 Test sixes, setting new world record

Rishabh Pant became the first Indian to hit 100 Test sixes and the fastest player globally to reach the milestone during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mohammad-kaif-criticizes-rishabh-pants-dismissal-in-test-against-sri-lanka

### 2026-08-11: Rishabh Pant identified as major threat for Sri Lanka ahead of Test series

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Farveez Maharoof has warned that Rishabh Pant’s aggressive, unorthodox style makes him a major threat for Sri Lanka in the upcoming Test series against India.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-identified-as-major-threat-for-sri-lanka-ahead-of-test-series

### 2026-08-04: Rishabh Pant Nears 100 Sixes as India Meets Sri Lanka’s New Coach Gary Kirsten

Rishabh Pant is three sixes short of a 100‑six Test record as India begins a two‑test series in Sri Lanka, where new head coach Gary Kirsten, former India boss, will lead the hosts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-nears-100-sixes-as-india-meets-sri-lankas-new-coach-gary-kirsten

---
Cite as: India-Sri Lanka Test cricket series. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-sri-lanka-test-cricket-series