NEW DELHI, August 14, 2026
IND vs SL live streaming: India will reach a major landmark when Shubman Gill’s team faces Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Galle on Saturday, August 15. It will be India’s 600th Test match and will begin on the country’s Independence Day.
The first match of the two-Test series will be played at Galle International Stadium from August 15 to 19. Play is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. IST, with the toss expected at 9:30 a.m. IST.
Viewers in India can watch the live television broadcast through Sony Sports Network. Online streaming will be available on SonyLIV with an eligible subscription.
A free television option will also be available through DD Sports, but only for viewers receiving the channel through the DD Free Dish platform.
India vs Sri Lanka first Test: Quick details
| Match information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs Sri Lanka, First Test |
| Series | India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 |
| Dates | August 15–19, 2026 |
| Venue | Galle International Stadium, Galle |
| Match starts | 10:00 a.m. IST |
| Toss | 9:30 a.m. IST |
| Live television | Sony Sports Network |
| Online streaming | SonyLIV |
| Free TV telecast | DD Sports on DD Free Dish |
| India captain | Shubman Gill |
| Tournament | ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 |
The BCCI’s official schedule confirms that the opening Test will run from August 15 to 19 in Galle. The second Test is scheduled in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Where can fans watch IND vs SL live on television?
Sony Sports Network holds the television broadcast coverage in India.
The match is expected to be shown across multiple Sony Sports channels, offering commentary in different languages. Viewers should check their television provider’s electronic program guide before play begins because channel allocation may vary by platform or region.
The expected channel options include:
- English: Sony Sports Ten 5 and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD
- Hindi: Sony Sports Ten 3 and Sony Sports Ten 3 HD
- Tamil and Telugu: Sony Sports Ten 4 language feeds and HD options
- Additional coverage: Selected feeds may also be carried on Sony Sports Ten 1
Sony Sports Network’s pre-match programming is expected to begin before the toss.
How to watch India vs Sri Lanka live on mobile or laptop
The India vs Sri Lanka Test series will stream online through the SonyLIV application and website.
Fans can watch the match on:
- Android smartphones and tablets
- iPhones and iPads
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Supported smart televisions
- Compatible streaming devices
Users should sign in to SonyLIV and select the India tour of Sri Lanka live stream from the sports or cricket section.
SonyLIV has created an official India tour of Sri Lanka streaming page for the series.
Is IND vs SL live streaming free on SonyLIV?
No. Watching the full live match on SonyLIV is expected to require an eligible paid subscription.
Some previews, short clips or highlights may be available without payment, but viewers should not assume that the complete Test match will stream free on the application.
Fans planning to watch online should check their SonyLIV subscription status before the match starts.
The series will not stream on JioHotstar because the digital rights are with SonyLIV.
How can viewers watch IND vs SL free?
Viewers with a DD Free Dish connection can watch the Test on DD Sports without purchasing a separate SonyLIV subscription.
This free option applies specifically to DD Sports carried through DD Free Dish. Availability on private cable networks, IPTV services or other DTH platforms may differ because sports-rights restrictions can affect how the channel is distributed.
Fans should check the DD Sports schedule and ensure that the channel is available on their DD Free Dish receiver before the toss.
DD Sports’ official information is available through Prasar Bharati.
Free stadium entry also announced in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced free public admission for the two-Test series.
Spectators in Sri Lanka will be able to enter designated stands at Galle International Stadium for the first Test and the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo for the second.
According to Sri Lanka Cricket’s official announcement, gates will be opened to encourage greater attendance during the World Test Championship series.
Entry conditions, gate numbers and seating availability remain subject to local arrangements.
Why is the Galle match historic for India?
The first Test will be India’s 600th match in the longest international format.
India entered Test cricket against England at Lord’s in June 1932. Ninety-four years later, the team will become only the third country after England and Australia to complete 600 Tests.
India enters the landmark match having played 599 Tests, recording 186 victories, 188 defeats, 224 draws and one tie.
The timing adds significance to the occasion. Shubman Gill will lead India in its 600th Test on August 15, making the match part of the country’s Independence Day sporting calendar.
Why the series matters for India’s WTC campaign
Both Tests form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.
India needs a strong result to improve its position in the championship standings and remain in contention for the final. However, Sri Lanka’s slow, turning pitches will present a demanding examination for the visiting batters.
Galle traditionally assists spin as the match progresses. India may therefore consider an attack built around Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and another spin option, depending on conditions.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has regularly troubled visiting teams at Galle and will see the two-match series as an opportunity to secure valuable home points.
India’s Test record against Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka have played 46 Tests against each other.
India has won 22, while Sri Lanka has recorded seven victories. Seventeen matches have ended in draws.
India’s record in Sri Lanka is more competitive:
- Tests played: 24
- India wins: Nine
- Sri Lanka wins: Seven
- Draws: Eight
The teams have faced each other five times in Tests at Galle. None of those matches ended in a draw.
Sri Lanka has won three of the five Galle Tests, while India has won two. India’s previous Test at the venue came in July 2017, when the visitors secured a 304-run victory.
The two sides last met in Test cricket in Bengaluru in March 2022, where India won by 238 runs.
India vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule
| Match | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First Test | August 15–19, 2026 | Galle International Stadium |
| Second Test | August 23–27, 2026 | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo |
Both matches are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. IST.
