Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva has backed his team to challenge India in the opening Test of the two-match series, which begins August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. The series forms part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, with the second Test scheduled at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground closing the series on August 27. De Silva's confidence comes despite Sri Lanka missing key batters Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka from their squad.
De Silva acknowledged the challenge of playing against India but expressed belief that his team could compete if they extended matches into the later stages. Speaking ahead of the first Test, the Sri Lanka captain outlined his team's approach to the series.
"Well, India did lose two series (against New Zealand and South Africa) in India on turning wickets, but it’s not that they have forgotten how to play on turning wickets. They’ll surely be itching to make a comeback. International cricket is not easy. If we can take the games to the fourth and fifth day, we will have a greater chance to beat them," de Silva told TOI.
KL Rahul identified as biggest threat to Sri Lanka
De Silva identified India vice-captain and opening batter KL Rahul as the biggest threat to Sri Lanka's chances in the series. Rahul brings extensive experience across all formats and conditions, having previously played in Sri Lankan conditions during India's 2017 tour. De Silva assessed the threat posed by the India batter and outlined his team's preparation strategy.
"I would say experience-wise KL Rahul would be the biggest threat for us. He has done well all around the world and he has played a few matches in Sri Lanka as well. Last time (in 2017), I think he played in our conditions and knows it pretty well," de Silva said.
De Silva banks on Prabath Jayasuriya's experience
Prabath Jayasuriya's extensive experience at Galle emerged as a key advantage for Sri Lanka in De Silva's assessment. The left-arm spinner has played more Test matches than any other player in either squad, particularly at the Galle venue where he has consistently troubled touring batting lineups. De Silva highlighted this statistical edge as a significant factor in Sri Lanka's favour heading into the series.
"Stats-wise, we have the upper hand. Prabath has played more matches than any other guys in the two teams, especially in Galle. He has had the upper hand over many touring batting lineups over the years. Plus-one to Sri Lanka, I would say," de Silva said.
Bumrah's absence a significant loss for India
De Silva acknowledged that India's absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the series due to a left knee injury with Auqib Nabi named as his replacement, represented a significant loss for the visitors. However, the Sri Lanka captain cautioned against underestimating India's remaining resources and match-winning capabilities. He explained his team's approach to the challenge posed by India's bowling attack.
"Even if India are missing some of their key players, I'm not going to take them lightly. They have several match-winners in their team. He (Bumrah) will be a big loss for India, but we've done our homework for others and we're well prepared for them," the Lankan skipper said.
De Silva reflected on Sri Lanka's recent performance against West Indies in their previous Test series, which had boosted the team's confidence heading into the India assignment. The Sri Lanka captain stated that a strong showing in the second Test against the West Indies had demonstrated his team's capability to compete at the highest level.
"In the second Test, we ran West Indies very close and had them on the backfoot. That kind of performance boosts our confidence," de Silva said.
India will be led by Shubman Gill, who was declared fit after sustaining a finger injury during warm-up matches, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain.