Karun Nair, despite scoring a century in a local tournament, was controversially excluded from the South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy final. This decision has drawn attention given South Zone's struggles against East Zone. Coach Vikram Verma cited team combination and "personal reasons" for Nair's absence, but his subsequent participation in another match suggests deeper issues.
Sri Lanka fought back with seven wickets from Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha on rain-hit Day 2 of the first Test, but Devdutt Padikkal's superb 167 powered India to 460-9.
The Indian players rest and rejuvenate in Galle before the first Test on Saturday.
What should have been a top-draw domestic red-ball clash to kick off the new season featuring some of India's Test stars has quickly turned into a lopsided contest, courtesy of a lifeless pitch heavily loaded in favour of the batters.
Devdutt Padikkal's explosive 61 off 26 balls in the IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad showcased a significant transformation in his batting style, earning widespread praise and solidifying his position as a top white-ball talent.
Devdutt Padikkal reveals Virat Kohli's key advice behind his match-winning knock as RCB pull off record chase against SRH in IPL 2026 opener.
Ishan Kishan made another strong red-ball statement with 80 after his 270, as East Zone moved within touching distance of the Duleep Trophy title.
Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten praised Sonal Dinusha's twin centuries and pressure-handling ability, while calling India's Dhruv Jurel a world-class player with superb technique and short-ball skills.
A heated exchange between India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando marred the opening session of the 2nd Test after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45, leading to a confrontation on the pitch.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified Kuldeep Yadav missed the second Test due to genuine viral fever, rejecting speculation that the team had any reason to fake illness.
India set Sri Lanka a daunting target of 372 before reducing the hosts to 84-4 on day four of the opening Test in Galle on Tuesday, remaining firmly on course for victory.
Shubman Gill has become the fourth-youngest Indian cricketer to reach 3,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, further solidifying his impressive record, especially as captain.
Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul performed well, but India captain Shubman Gill had a disappointing outing, getting dismissed for 16 runs. His dismissal, attempting a lofted shot against Prabath Jayasuriya on a flat pitch, led to significant criticism from fans on social media, who questioned his shot selection and recent form.
India's vice-captain KL Rahul expressed his delight at the team's comprehensive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle, stating that the team 'ticked most of the boxes' they had discussed prior to the match and gained significant confidence for future spin-dominated assignments.
Gambhir strongly advocates three-Test series, arguing they give teams that lose the opening match a genuine opportunity to recover, compete harder and still win the series.
Sri Lanka's head coach Gary Kirsten expressed satisfaction with his team's developing approach to Test cricket despite a loss to India. He highlighted the team's fight and resilience, particularly after a poor start in their first innings, and praised young batter Sonal Dinusha. Kirsten also provided an update on key player injuries ahead of the next Test.
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retired hurt during the second Test against Sri Lanka after being hit on his left arm by a short ball from Lahiru Kumara. He received medical attention but was visibly in pain and left the field, with Ravindra Jadeja replacing him.
With Kuldeep Yadav looking ineffective, India could look towards including off-spinner Saransh Jain in the playing XI in the second Test in Colombo, especially looking at three left-handers in the Sri Lankan top seven.
Ishan Kishan top-scored with a splendid knock of 270 to power East Zone to a mammoth first innings total of 708 in their first innings on Day 2 against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final.
North Zone's Sanat Sangwan scored a resilient 76, putting aside earlier controversies, as his team fought back against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final. Despite Sangwan's efforts and a partnership with Ayush Doseja, North Zone suffered a batting collapse, leaving South Zone poised for victory. South Zone holds a significant lead, needing only a draw to advance to the final.
Mukesh Kumar, the Bengal pacer, has delivered an impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy, taking 11 wickets and expressing the critical importance of the ongoing domestic season for his potential India comeback. He detailed his strategic bowling approach on challenging pitches and the team's tactics for managing the hot conditions, while also providing an update on teammate Anukul Roy's injury.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded the team's productive warm-up victory against Sri Lanka, highlighting strong performances from both batters and bowlers, including Shubman Gill's quick 44 and Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142, which set a positive tone for the upcoming two-match Test series.
Dinesh Karthik believes Devdutt Padikkal's consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL will soon earn him a place in the Indian national team.
Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a big toe injury. The injury, sustained during the India A tour last month, requires further healing time, leading to his withdrawal from the squad.
Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel scored his second Test century in Colombo, dedicating it with a 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan' tattoo tribute. His patient 115 not out helped India declare on 503/9, earning praise for his maturity and all-round game.
As India prepares for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15, the team management faces critical decisions regarding their playing XI to bolster their World Test Championship 2027 final aspirations.
India captain Shubman Gill has indicated that Prasidh Krishna is likely to share the new ball with Mohammed Siraj in the upcoming first Test against Sri Lanka.
Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket team underwent an intense net session in Colombo.
Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is under scrutiny for a potential ICC Code of Conduct breach following a heated altercation with Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test. The incident involved physical contact, with Jaiswal's helmet touching Fernando's forehead after Jaiswal's dismissal. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged the 'heat of the moment' but stated Jaiswal should not have made body contact. Match referee Andy Pycroft may invoke Article 2.12, which could lead to a reprimand, fine, or demerit points for Jaiswal.
Tilak Varma is emerging as India's potential middle-order backup, offering left-handed batting variety and developing off-spin as selectors seek younger, flexible options ahead of the ODI World Cup.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how the current generation of cricketers, primarily raised on T20 cricket, has managed to seamlessly adapt to the rigorous demands of Test cricket. He compared their transition to pop singers mastering classical ragas, highlighting the significant technical and mental adjustments required. Manjrekar's comments come as young Indian players, many with IPL backgrounds, are actively participating in Test series, showcasing their versatility across formats.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has emphasised the crucial role wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will play in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, citing his experience and ability to guide younger players.
Tim David, Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal went ballistic with marauding knocks while bowlers came up with a clinical showing as Royal Challengers Bengaluru trounced Chennai Super Kings by 43 runs.
KL Rahul's patient half-century in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka highlights his evolving role as a consistent and strategic anchor for the Indian team. Despite a slower strike rate, his ability to stonewall spinners and build partnerships has been crucial, earning praise from coaches and teammates. This performance underscores his growing importance, especially after the departure of senior batters, as he aims to make a significant impact in the current Test series.
Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja led India's bowling attack on Day 3 in Galle.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal blasted a quickfire 61 from 46 balls before Mohammed Siraj smashed a match-winning 27 not out from 13 balls to power India to a six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in the warm-up match.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc dethroned Jasprit Bumrah to reach a career-high No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers, after a stellar 10-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
India completed their 600th Test with a 165-run win over Sri Lanka. Here's how India evolved from early struggles into a modern Test cricket powerhouse.
A world-class Test team can't afford to have a bowling attack that allows batters to feel comfortable. To be the world's best Test team, all departments of the game should be strong and striking.
Manav Suthar's exceptional spin bowling, including a six-wicket haul in the second innings, led India to a comprehensive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
