India’s Record in Tests in Sri Lanka Suggests a Close Contest

As these two sides go head to head next week we take a look India’s record in Tests against the hosts

Published: July 20, 2017 3:34 PM IST

By Aamir Salati

India’s Record in Tests in Sri Lanka Suggests a Close Contest
File picture of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli | Getty Images

India travels to Sri Lanka for a bilateral series this month. The tour comprises of three Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and one-off T20I and starts on July 26 with the first Test at Gale. The second and third Test matches will take place at Colombo and Pallekele on August 03 and August 12 respectively.

The two sides have over the years faced each other a lot across formats and are familiar with each other’s style of play. Despite India and Sri Lanka running into each other more often, the contest between these two sides still holds its charm. Also Check- India vs Sri Lanka 2017 Full Schedule

While it will be a new look Sri Lanka side on display, India, on the other hand, will begin their new era under recently appointed head coach Ravi Shastri. There will be pressure straightaway on Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli to deliver.

As these two sides go head to head next week we take a look India’s record in Tests against the hosts:

Test Record: India vs Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka

From 1985 to 2015, Sri Lanka have hosted India in 21 Test matches. Out of these, Sri Lanka slightly holds the edge having won seven matches while India have emerged victorious in six. Eight Test matches have ended in draws. Also Read- ‘Team Deserves More Credit, People Like Ravi Shastri And Anil Kumble Will Come And Go’

Matches PlayedSri Lanka wonIndia WonDraw

21

7

6

8

These 21 matches are spanned over seven bilateral series and one-off Test in the Asian Test Championship in 1999. Narrowing down on series results, Sri Lanka have won three, India two and two have ended as drawn. 

Test Record: India vs Sri Lanka Head to Head

The equation changes drastically when it comes to overall record in Tests. Out of 38 Test matches, India have won 16 and apparently lead the record as well. Sri Lanka have managed to win just seven Tests and all those at home.

Matches PlayedIndia wonSri Lanka wonDraw

38

16

7

15

Last Meeting in Tests

The last time these two met in game’s longest format was in 2015. India won the three-match series 2-1. After going down in the opening match at Gale, the visitors bounced back to win the two back to back Tests. Interestingly, India’s tour in 2015 was Kohli’s first full Test series as captain.

Going by India’s record in Sri Lanka we expect a close contest. However, given India’s form and Sri Lanka’s unsettled combination, the result seems to be going visitors’ way.

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