India are returning to Sri Lanka for a Test series after 9 years. The last time India played a Test series in Sri Lanka was in 2017.
Back then, Virat Kohli was India’s captain, while players like Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin were part of the team.
In 2026, the Indian team looks completely different. Only KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav remain from the 2017 squad.
India return to Sri Lanka after 9 years
India last played a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2017. Virat Kohli led the team during that tour. India won the three-match series 3-0.
The squad had several experienced players who are no longer part of India’s Test team. Now, India are returning with Shubman Gill as captain. The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15. The second Test will be played in Colombo.
Only 3 players survive from 2017 team
The biggest difference between the two squads is the number of returning players. Only three players from India’s 2017 squad are part of the current team.
They are KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav. All three have seen major changes in Indian cricket during the last nine years.
KL Rahul has come a long way
KL Rahul was still trying to establish himself in Test cricket in 2017. Today, he is one of India’s most experienced batters. He is also the vice-captain for the Sri Lanka series. Rahul’s calm nature and experience could be very important for India in Sri Lankan conditions.
Jadeja remains India’s big all-rounder
Ravindra Jadeja was already an integral player in 2017. 9 years later, he remains one of India’s biggest match-winners.
His ability to score runs, take wickets and save runs in the field makes him extremely valuable. With several senior players gone, Jadeja’s experience will be even more important.
Kuldeep’s journey is completely different
Kuldeep Yadav was still a young player in 2017. He was learning how to succeed in Test cricket. Today, he is an experienced Test spinner.
With Ravichandran Ashwin retired from Test cricket, Kuldeep has a bigger role to play. Sri Lanka’s conditions could also suit his style of bowling.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired
Virat Kohli was the captain when India last toured Sri Lanka for Tests. Rohit Sharma was also part of that team. Neither player is now part of India’s Test setup.
The same is true for several other stars from the 2017 team. Pujara, Rahane and Ashwin have also moved on from Test cricket. This shows just how much the Indian team has changed.
Rishabh Pant was not even a Test player
Rishabh Pant is another example of how much time has changed Indian cricket. In 2017, Pant had not yet played a Test for India.
Today, he is one of India’s most important wicketkeeper-batters. His rise has been one of the biggest stories in Indian Test cricket.
India have several new faces
The 2026 squad has many players who are still building their Test careers. Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to play a key role at the top of the order.
Devdutt Padikkal is also pushing for a place after scoring a century in the practice match.
Manav Suthar and Gurnoor Brar are among the other players looking for an opportunity.
Sai Sudharsan was initially part of the squad but was later ruled out with an injury. Sarfaraz Khan has been added as his replacement.
2017 vs 2026: How India’s Team has changed
| 2017 Team | 2026 Team |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli was captain | Shubman Gill is captain |
| Rohit Sharma was in the squad | Rohit is no longer playing Tests |
| Ashwin was India’s main spinner | Kuldeep has a bigger role |
| Rishabh Pant had not made his Test debut | Pant is a key wicketkeeper |
| Cheteshwar Pujara was a key batter | Yashasvi Jaiswal represents the new generation |
| KL Rahul was still developing | Rahul is now vice-captain |
| Jadeja was an established all-rounder | Jadeja remains a senior player |
| Kuldeep was a young spinner | Kuldeep is now an experienced bowler |
Why Sri Lanka series matters
The two-Test series is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. India will want to start the series with a strong performance.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to use home conditions to challenge the visitors. The first Test starts in Galle on August 15.