India won the first Test by 165 runs to take 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
India comprehensively defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
After racking up 462 in their first innings on the back of Devdutt Padikkal’s maiden Test ton (167), India bundled out the hosts for 284, gaining a substantial 178-run lead.
In their second innings, the visitors were bowled out for 193 runs. Combined with their massive first-innings lead, they set Sri Lanka a daunting 372-run target.
During the chase, Sri Lanka’s innings folded 206 on Day 5. Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the undisputed star with the ball for India, bagging a historic 10-wicket match haul (4/76 and 6/55) to rattle the home side.
While this clinical performance gave India a vital boost in their World Test Championship campaign, former BCCI chief selector Kris Srikkanth also backed Shubman Gill’s men to dominate Sri Lanka in the second Test, slated to begin on August 23 in Colombo.
"India will win the second Test also easily as Sri Lanka are a poor Test side. Sri Lanka may be good in ODIs, but in Tests, they will surely lose the second match as well. The toss is crucial, but even if Sri Lanka win the toss and bat first, how will they score 350?" Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
India currently sit fifth in the WTC points table, holding 64 points and a points percentage (PCT) of 53.33%. Having played 10 of the 18 scheduled matches, their campaign has been a mixed bag, consisting of five wins, four losses, and one draw.
India must win at least six of their remaining eight Tests to realistically secure a spot in the WTC final. After the Sri Lanka tour, they will travel to New Zealand for two Tests before playing Australia in a five-match series at home.
Srikkanth reckons the last two series of the 2025-27 WTC cycle against New Zealand and Australia will decide India’s fate in the competition.
According to the former India opener, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will hold the key on the tour of New Zealand. Bumrah is not featuring in the Sri Lanka series due to knee injury.
"The next two series against New Zealand and Australia will decide India's fate. I think South Africa are more or less through to the final. Though India has historically struggled in New Zealand, this pace attack is potent. Of course, that's only if Bumrah is there. If he plays, India has a chance in New Zealand. But without him, they'll struggle," Srikkanth stated.
"Everything revolves around Bumrah. Whenever India has won big championships, Bumrah has been the key. India created fear in Australia only because of Bumrah's bowling in 2024-25. India almost beat Australia only because of him. Let's not forget that the Australians were scared to play Bumrah. The fear factor he brings in the opposition is something fantastic," he further remarked.