SL vs IND 2026: 3 changes Sri Lanka should make to win 2nd Test

India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the 1st Test at Galle in an emphatic fashion. The result handed India a 1-0 advantage in the two-match series, with the 2nd Test scheduled at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

Sonal Dinusha was Sri Lanka’s most reliable batter across both innings, scoring 100 in the first and 84 in the second. Beyond Dinusha and a few others, the hosts found it difficult to build partnerships against India’s spin attack, led by left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who finished with a 10-wicket match haul of 4/76 and 6/55.

After getting dominated by the visitors in the series opener, the hosts need to put up a strong show to avoid a whitewash.

Here are 3 changes Sri Lanka should make to win the 2nd Test:

1. Bat with positive intent against India’s spinners

Sri Lanka’s batting was largely passive against India’s spinners across both innings at Galle. Suthar’s series bowling average stood at 13.10 after the 1st Test, reflecting how effectively he tied down and dismissed the Sri Lankan batters. Dinusha’s 100 in the first innings and 84 in the second showed what positive intent could produce, yet the rest of the batting order failed to match that approach.

At the SSC in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s batters will need to be more proactive from the outset, looking to disrupt the rhythm of India’s spinners rather than allowing them to settle into long spells. Niroshan Dickwella‘s 80 in the first innings at Galle was another example of what aggression can achieve, and the team needs more batters to replicate that mindset in the 2nd Test.

2. Use spin to target India’s middle order

India’s 2nd innings at Galle produced only 193 runs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring on 66. Asitha Fernando claimed 4/31 in that innings, while Prabath Jayasuriya took 3/43, confirming that India’s middle and lower order is not beyond reach. Sri Lanka’s spinners, particularly Jayasuriya, showed they can be effective when conditions assist.

The SSC in Colombo is a venue known to offer spin assistance, which could work in Sri Lanka’s favour if they use their slow bowlers more aggressively. Targeting India’s middle order with sustained spin pressure, replicating what Suthar did to Sri Lanka at Galle, is a tactical avenue the hosts must explore seriously in the 2nd Test.

3. Replace Lahiru Kumara with a left-arm pacer

The editor’s recommendation is to replace Lahiru Kumara with a left-arm pace option for the 2nd Test at Colombo. Kumara was part of Sri Lanka’s playing XI at Galle alongside Asitha Fernando, but the pace attack did not create enough pressure to complement the spin options. Introducing a left-arm pacer would add variety to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and offer a different angle to India’s right-handed batters.

The change could also help Sri Lanka take early wickets with the new ball, reducing the workload on Jayasuriya and the other spinners. Sri Lanka’s bench for the 1st Test included Dilshan Madushanka and Vishwa Fernando as pace options, making a like-for-like replacement feasible.