India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Series: Full Schedule, Squads, Match Timings, Venues and Live Streaming (3 ODIs + 3 T20Is)
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Series
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 series will begin on 13 December and conclude on 27 December 2026. Sri Lanka will tour India for three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is). The ODI matches will take place in Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, while Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune will host the T20I series. ODI matches are scheduled to start at 2:00 PM IST, and T20Is at 7:00 PM IST.
Cricket fans are preparing for another exciting India vs Sri Lanka bilateral series in December 2026.
The two Asian teams will face each other in six white-ball matches across six Indian cities. The series will begin with three ODIs, followed by three T20Is.
For India, the ODI matches will be particularly important as the team continues its preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to challenge India in Indian conditions and test its batting and bowling combinations.
Fans will also be watching for the potential involvement of experienced Indian stars such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI series, alongside emerging players who could receive opportunities.
In this article, we’ll cover the India vs Sri Lanka 2026 schedule, match dates, start times, venues, squad updates, expected key players, live-streaming information and important series details.
Last updated: 5 November 2026
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Series Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Sri Lanka Tour of India 2026 |
| Host country | India |
| Visiting team | Sri Lanka |
| First match | 13 December 2026 |
| Last match | 27 December 2026 |
| Total matches | 6 |
| ODI matches | 3 |
| T20I matches | 3 |
| Test matches | None in this December series |
| ODI start time | 2:00 PM IST |
| T20I start time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venues | Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Cuttack, Pune |
| Official schedule | Announced by BCCI |
| Squads | Awaiting final official confirmation |
| Live streaming | Broadcaster/platform to be confirmed |
The series forms part of India’s 2026–27 international home season.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Full Schedule
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed all six fixtures.
Complete IND vs SL 2026 Schedule
| Match | Date | Day | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 13 December 2026 | Sunday | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 2:00 PM |
| 2nd ODI | 16 December 2026 | Wednesday | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 2:00 PM |
| 3rd ODI | 19 December 2026 | Saturday | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 2:00 PM |
| 1st T20I | 22 December 2026 | Tuesday | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot | 7:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | 24 December 2026 | Thursday | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | 27 December 2026 | Sunday | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune | 7:00 PM |
All six matches will be played in India. The three-match ODI series will finish on 19 December, followed by the T20I series beginning on 22 December.
India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series 2026 Schedule
The ODI series will begin on 13 December in Delhi. Three matches will be played across Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
IND vs SL ODI Schedule 2026
| ODI | Date | Venue | Start time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 13 December | Delhi | 2:00 PM IST |
| 2nd ODI | 16 December | Bengaluru | 2:00 PM IST |
| 3rd ODI | 19 December | Ahmedabad | 2:00 PM IST |
The ODI series could provide valuable preparation for India’s 2027 World Cup campaign. It will also give the team management an opportunity to evaluate batting combinations, all-rounders and bowling options.
India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI 2026
Date: 13 December 2026
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Time: 2:00 PM IST
The opening ODI will be played in India’s capital. Delhi is known for hosting major international cricket matches, and the conditions can offer opportunities for both batters and spin bowlers.
The first match will be important because the winning team will take an early lead in the series.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI 2026
Date: 16 December 2026
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Time: 2:00 PM IST
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is famous for exciting limited-overs matches and relatively short boundaries. If conditions favour batting, fans could witness a high-scoring contest.
India vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI 2026
Date: 19 December 2026
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Time: 2:00 PM IST
The final ODI will be played in Ahmedabad. The Narendra Modi Stadium is one of the world’s largest cricket stadiums. Depending on the results of the first two matches, the third ODI could become a series decider.
India vs Sri Lanka T20I Series 2026 Schedule
After the ODI series, both teams will compete in three T20 Internationals. The first T20I will be played on 22 December, followed by matches on 24 and 27 December.
IND vs SL T20I Schedule 2026
| T20I | Date | Venue | Start time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 22 December | Rajkot | 7:00 PM IST |
| 2nd T20I | 24 December | Cuttack | 7:00 PM IST |
| 3rd T20I | 27 December | Pune | 7:00 PM IST |
All three T20I matches are scheduled as evening fixtures.
India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I 2026
Date: 22 December 2026
Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Rajkot will host the opening T20I. The venue has previously witnessed aggressive batting performances in international cricket. The match will mark the beginning of the shortest-format leg of the series.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2026
Date: 24 December 2026
Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Barabati Stadium is a historic Indian cricket venue known for enthusiastic crowds. Both teams will look to build momentum before the final match.
India vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2026
Date: 27 December 2026
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Time: 7:00 PM IST
The final T20I will be played in Pune. This match will conclude Sri Lanka’s six-match white-ball tour of India.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Squads
The official ODI and T20I squads for both teams have not yet been fully confirmed as of 5 November 2026. The BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket are expected to announce their respective squads closer to the series. Until then, any probable squad should be treated as a prediction rather than an official selection.
India ODI Squad 2026: Players to Watch
India has several experienced and emerging players who could be considered for the ODI series.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | Top-order batter |
| Rohit Sharma | Opening batter |
| Virat Kohli | Top-order batter |
| Shreyas Iyer | Middle-order batter |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opening batter |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spin bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast bowler |
| Mohammed Siraj | Fast bowler |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast bowler |
India T20I Squad 2026: Players to Watch
India has a large pool of talented T20 players. Possible names to watch include:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | Middle-order batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | Opening batter |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Tilak Varma | Middle-order batter |
| Rinku Singh | Finisher |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Spin bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast bowler |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast bowler |
The final squad will depend on selection decisions, fitness and availability.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad 2026: Players to Watch
Sri Lanka has several experienced limited-overs cricketers who could play important roles.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | Opening batter |
| Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Charith Asalanka | Middle-order batter |
| Kamindu Mendis | Batting all-rounder |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | All-rounder |
| Dunith Wellalage | Spin all-rounder |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Spin all-rounder |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Spin bowler |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Fast bowler |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Fast bowler |
This list identifies players to watch and should not be presented as Sri Lanka’s official ODI squad.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad 2026: Players to Watch
Sri Lanka’s T20I team could feature several attacking batters and specialist bowlers. Potential players to watch include:
Final selection remains subject to Sri Lanka Cricket’s official announcement.
Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Play Against Sri Lanka?
One of the biggest questions ahead of the series concerns Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both are major names in Indian ODI cricket.
Kohli is known for his consistency, century-making ability and record in run chases. Rohit is one of the most successful ODI opening batters, with three double centuries in the format.
Because the December series includes three ODIs, fans will be interested in whether both players are selected. However, their participation should not be considered confirmed until the BCCI announces the official squad.
Why the India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series Matters Before World Cup 2027
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 is scheduled to be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. India’s preparations for the tournament make every ODI series important. The Sri Lanka series will provide opportunities to evaluate several areas.
- 1. Opening Batting CombinationIndia will need a reliable opening partnership capable of performing in different conditions.
- 2. Middle-Order StabilityPlayers such as Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have provided valuable middle-order contributions in ODI cricket.
- 3. Pace Bowling OptionsIndia’s fast-bowling depth will be important for the 2027 World Cup, particularly in conditions that may assist seam bowling.
- 4. Spin Bowling CombinationsIndia has several spin options, including wrist-spin and finger-spin specialists.
- 5. Young PlayersThe series may provide opportunities for emerging cricketers to strengthen their case for future selection.
India vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record
India and Sri Lanka have one of the longest-running rivalries in Asian cricket. Both teams have faced each other in numerous bilateral series, Asia Cups and ICC tournaments. India has historically enjoyed considerable success against Sri Lanka in ODI cricket. However, Sri Lanka has also produced memorable victories.
Memorable India vs Sri Lanka Matches
2011 ODI World Cup Final
India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Gautam Gambhir scored 97, while MS Dhoni remained unbeaten on 91. India won its second ODI World Cup title.
Asia Cup 2023 Final
India defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. Mohammed Siraj took six wickets for 21 runs. Sri Lanka was dismissed for just 50.
India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series 2024
Sri Lanka defeated India 2–0 in the three-match ODI series, with one match ending in a tie. The result demonstrated that Sri Lanka can challenge India even when India enters a series as the stronger-ranked side.
Key Players to Watch in India vs Sri Lanka 2026
Virat Kohli
If selected, Kohli will be one of the biggest attractions of the ODI series. His ability to build innings and perform under pressure makes him a valuable player in the 50-over format.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit’s aggressive opening batting can provide India with fast starts. His experience against Sri Lanka makes him an important name to watch if included.
Shubman Gill
Gill has established himself as a technically strong top-order batter. His ability to score centuries makes him important in ODI cricket.
Shreyas Iyer
Iyer is known for attacking spin bowling and playing important innings in the middle overs.
Pathum Nissanka
Nissanka is one of Sri Lanka’s important top-order batters. He has the ability to build long ODI innings.
Kusal Mendis
Mendis can score quickly and put pressure on opposition bowlers.
Wanindu Hasaranga
Hasaranga’s leg-spin and lower-order batting make him a dangerous limited-overs player when available.
Maheesh Theekshana
Theekshana’s variations and control could be important on Indian pitches.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Venues and Stadium Details
Six different stadiums will host the matches.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
This historic stadium will host the first ODI. It has staged several international matches and major IPL fixtures.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Known for its batting-friendly conditions and exciting limited-overs matches, Bengaluru will host the second ODI.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
One of the world’s largest cricket stadiums, it will host the third ODI.
Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
Rajkot will host the first T20I. The venue has witnessed several high-scoring international matches.
Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Cuttack will host the second T20I. It is one of Odisha’s best-known sporting venues.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Pune will host the final T20I and conclude the series.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Live Streaming and TV Telecast
Cricket fans will be able to follow the series through official broadcast and digital platforms once the rights-holder and coverage arrangements are confirmed.
Where to Watch IND vs SL 2026 Live?
| Viewing option | Status |
|---|---|
| Television broadcast in India | Awaiting series-specific confirmation |
| Online live streaming | Awaiting official confirmation |
| Live scores | Official cricket boards and cricket score platforms |
| Match highlights | Official rights-holder and cricket-board channels |
Fans should check official announcements from the BCCI and the designated broadcaster closer to 13 December. Avoid relying on unofficial streaming websites.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Match Timings in India
All six matches will follow Indian Standard Time. The ODI matches are scheduled for afternoon starts, while the T20Is will be played in the evening.
| Format | Start time |
|---|---|
| ODI | 2:00 PM IST |
| T20I | 7:00 PM IST |
These are the scheduled match start times, not toss times.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Tickets
Fans interested in attending the matches should follow official ticketing announcements. The BCCI and relevant host associations may provide information about ticketing platforms, prices and sale dates. Ticket prices can vary depending on the stadium, stand and seating category.
As of this update, a verified series-wide ticket price list is not available. Fans should avoid purchasing tickets through unverified sellers.
India vs Sri Lanka 2026: ODI vs T20I Series Comparison
| Feature | ODI series | T20I series |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 3 | 3 |
| Dates | 13–19 December | 22–27 December |
| Overs per side | 50 | 20 |
| Start time | 2:00 PM IST | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venues | Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad | Rajkot, Cuttack, Pune |
| Main focus | ODI combinations and World Cup preparation | T20 combinations and emerging talent |
Both series will give the teams opportunities to test their depth and combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About India vs Sri Lanka 2026
When will the India vs Sri Lanka 2026 series start?
The series will begin on 13 December 2026.
When will the series end?
The final match is scheduled for 27 December 2026.
How many matches will India and Sri Lanka play?
Six matches: three ODIs and three T20Is.
Where will the India vs Sri Lanka 2026 series be played?
All six matches will be played in India.
When is the first ODI?
13 December 2026.
Where is the first ODI?
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
What time will the first ODI start?
2:00 PM IST.
When is the second ODI?
16 December 2026.
Where will the second ODI be played?
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
When is the third ODI?
19 December 2026.
Where is the third ODI?
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
When will the T20I series start?
22 December 2026.
Where will the first T20I be played?
Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot.
When is the second T20I?
24 December 2026.
Where will the second T20I be played?
Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
When is the third T20I?
27 December 2026.
Where will the final T20I be played?
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.
What time will the T20I matches start?
7:00 PM IST.
Has India announced its ODI squad?
The final squad has not been verified as officially announced as of 5 November 2026.
Has India announced its T20I squad?
The final squad is awaiting official confirmation.
Has Sri Lanka announced its squads?
The final ODI and T20I squads have not been verified as officially announced.
Will Virat Kohli play against Sri Lanka?
His participation depends on selection and availability. Wait for the official ODI squad announcement.
Will Rohit Sharma play against Sri Lanka?
His participation has not been confirmed for this series.
Will Virat Kohli play the T20I series?
Kohli retired from T20 Internationals in 2024.
Will Rohit Sharma play the T20I series?
Rohit retired from T20 Internationals in 2024.
Who will captain India in the ODI series?
The captain for this specific series should be confirmed through the official squad announcement.
Who will captain India in the T20I series?
The final captaincy arrangement for this series should be checked against the BCCI announcement.
Where can fans watch the series live?
The official TV and streaming details should be checked closer to the series.
Why is the ODI series important for India?
It provides preparation and selection opportunities ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Is the India vs Sri Lanka 2026 schedule confirmed?
Yes. The BCCI announced the six-match December schedule as part of India’s 2026–27 home season.
Conclusion
The India vs Sri Lanka 2026 series promises an exciting finish to the international cricket calendar. From 13 to 27 December, both teams will compete in three ODIs and three T20Is across six Indian cities. The ODI series will be played in Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, while Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune will host the T20Is.
For India, the ODI matches will be an important part of preparations for the 2027 World Cup. Sri Lanka will look to challenge India with its combination of experienced players and emerging talent.
Fans will be especially interested in the official squad announcements, the possible return of major ODI stars and the performances of young players.
CricketGatha – Cricket Ki Har Kahani.