Mumbai, India – India's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka will be announced by Tuesday, July 28, 2026. This announcement comes as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares for a significant review of the national team's support staff following a series of disappointing white-ball performances. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the squad announcement date on Saturday.[timesofindia]
Test Squad Naming Nears
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will finalize the Test team for the Sri Lanka tour. This series is a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. India will play two Test matches in Sri Lanka, with the first scheduled from August 15 to 19 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The second Test will take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27. The Indian team is set to arrive in Colombo on August 4, with a four-day warm-up game planned from August 7 to 10 at the Nondescripts Cricket Club.[cricketcountry+7]
While many players from the current setup are expected to retain their spots, there are concerns over the fitness of key fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar. Bumrah missed a recent One Day International (ODI) against England due to a left knee injury. Sundar is recovering from a right hamstring strain that also kept him out of a match at Lord's. Veteran left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja might make a return to the squad after being rested from recent white-ball assignments. This tour marks India's first Test series in Sri Lanka since 2017.[cricketcountry+6]
BCCI to Review Coaching Staff
The BCCI is set to hold a comprehensive review meeting in the first half of August to assess India's recent white-ball performances. This review follows a period where the national team faced consecutive T20 International (T20I) series defeats. India recently lost a T20I series to Ireland and suffered a 4-0 whitewash in the T20I series against England. The team also lost the ODI series against England 2-1. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia indicated the review would occur after the team returns from its ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe.[crex+5]
The performance of the support staff under head coach Gautam Gambhir will be a key focus of the upcoming meeting. Several contracts for the support staff have recently expired, leading to speculation about potential changes. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip are reportedly under scrutiny. Ten Doeschate has reportedly requested to step down after his two-year contract concluded. Dilip, who continued from former head coach Rahul Dravid's staff, has seen India's fielding standards decline in recent months. The review committee will decide on their contract extensions. VVS Laxman and his coaching staff, currently with the Indian team in Zimbabwe, may also undergo assessment.[crex+13]
Performance Under Scrutiny
India has experienced mixed results under the current coaching setup. The team achieved significant success in white-ball cricket, winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Despite these triumphs, the recent downturn in T20I performances has raised concerns. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended the team's "reset strategy," stating that transition takes time. However, the board aims to evaluate all aspects of the team's performance.[cricketupdate+3]
In Test cricket, India's record has been less consistent, with only six victories in 18 matches during the same period. The team has suffered high-profile setbacks, including home series defeats to New Zealand and South Africa. India also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, adding pressure on the coaching staff. The upcoming review is expected to determine the future direction of India's cricket coaching and support structure as the team prepares for crucial international assignments.[cricketupdate+4]
