Shubman Gill and Dhananjaya De Silva (Agency Image)

India will begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on Saturday, August 15, with the first match set to take place in Galle.The series comes at an important stage for India’s Test side. While Gautam Gambhir’s tenure has brought major success in white-ball cricket, including the Champions Trophy in 2025, the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, India’s recent Test record has been a concern.India suffered home Test series whitewashes against New Zealand and South Africa, which have dented their World Test Championship campaign. Their red-ball schedule has also been limited this year. The Test against Sri Lanka will be only India’s second Test match of 2026, after their clash against Afghanistan in June ended inside two-and-a-half days.India will be hoping for a stronger showing in Sri Lanka as they look to rebuild their Test momentum.

When will India vs Sri Lanka first Test start?

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka will begin on Saturday, August 15.The match is scheduled to start at 10 AM IST.

Where will India vs Sri Lanka first Test be played?

The opening Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka.

Where to watch India vs Sri Lanka Tests on TV in India?

The two-match Test series will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India. Coverage will be available in multiple languages.The series will also be available on DD Sports for viewers who have access to DD Free Dish.

Where to watch India vs Sri Lanka Tests online?

Fans who prefer to stream the matches can watch the India vs Sri Lanka Test series live on SonyLIV.

India squad for Sri Lanka Tests

Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan.

Sri Lanka squad for India Tests

Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.With India looking to revive their Test fortunes and Sri Lanka aiming to make the most of home conditions, the two-match series promises an important red-ball challenge for both sides.

The ongoing legal battle between Joe Gibbs Racing, Spire Motorsports, and Chris Gabehart has taken another turn, with a hearing now scheduled to address the counterclaims filed against JGR. Renowned NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass reported on X that the heading on whether to dismiss those counterclaims is set for August 26.

Earlier this year, JGR filed its $8 million lawsuit against its former competition director Chris Gabehart after he left the team to join Spire as its chief motorsports officer. The team accused Gabehart of taking confidential team information and violating his obligations to the organization after leaving for a leadership position with Spire. The case has since expanded to include claims and counterclaims from all sides.

Bob Pockrass on Thursday reported that a court date has been set to dismiss counterclaims filed by Spire and Gabehart and coach Joe Gibbs’ team.

One of the counterclaims at the center of the upcoming hearing comes from Gabehart, who alleges that JGR did not pay him everything he was owed. Spire Motorsports has also filed counterclaims against JGR, with the team alleging that Coach Joe Gibbs’ team failed to reciprocate an arrangement involving car chief Cheddar Smith.

“A hearing on whether to dismiss counterclaims Chris Gabehart and Spire filed against JGR is set for Aug. 26. Gabehart claims include JGR didn’t pay him everything he’s owed, Spire claims JGR never reciprocated what it promised when Spire let car chief Cheddar Smith to go to 54.” Pockrass wrote.

JGR previously withdrew one of the allegations against Spire and Chris Gabehart

JGR has withdrawn its explosive allegations that its former employee Chris Gabehart is running or deeply involved in Spire’s competition strategy and decisions.

Last month, JGR released a statement noting that JGR withdraws their claim and acknowledged in a court filing that it “does not possess nonprivileged information sufficient to support the allegations.”

In the filing, the JGR said:

“In discovery Spire Motorsports II, LLC (“Spire”) requested information supporting the allegations contained in paragraph 129 of the Second Amended Complaint. JGR responded to Spire’s request and concedes that it does not possess nonprivileged information sufficient to support the allegations contained in paragraph 129 of the Second Amended Complaint.”

The case is now moving toward a larger trial after legal teams have failed to reach an out-of-court settlement. U.S. District Judge Susan C. Rodriguez has scheduled a 9-day jury trial for the lawsuit to begin on February 1, 2027, right before the Daytona 500.