Team India Playing 11 vs SLXI Warm-Up Match: Will Auqib Nabi Feature in IND vs SL Practice Test

Ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, the Indian team will take part in a three-day practice match against a Sri Lanka XI from August 7 to August 9, 2026, at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground in Colombo. Originally planned as a four-day fixture, the warm-up game was later shortened to three days following discussions between the two cricket boards.

Although the match will not carry official Test status, it is expected to play a key role in helping both sides prepare for the opening Test in Galle, which begins on August 15. Team management is also expected to use the game to test different batting combinations, and finalise the playing XI before the series opener.

Notably, one of the best bowlers in the world, Jasprit Bumrah, has been ruled out due to injury, and Auqib Nabi is named as his replacement. The practice match will be particularly important for India's pace attack as they look to adjust before the start of the World Test Championship series. As is common in such warm-up fixtures, player rotations are expected, so let's have a look at the probable Team India playing 11 vs SLXI.

Team India Playing 11 vs SLXI Warm-Up Match (Probable)

India's three-day warm-up fixture against the Sri Lanka XI will be an opportunity for the team management to settle on the playing XI before the first Test in Galle. One of the best Test batsmen in the world, Shubman Gill, is likely to captain the side and bat at No. 3, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to continue as the opening pair.

The middle order could feature Devdutt Padikkal along with Rishabh Pant, who remains India's first-choice wicketkeeper in the longest format. The all-round duties are likely to be handled by Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar in spin-friendly Sri Lankan conditions. India's bowling attack may be led by Mohammed Siraj, with Prasidh Krishna after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tour with a knee injury.

The selectors also included Auqib Nabi as Bumrah's replacement, and the uncapped fast bowler could be given valuable overs in the practice game. As this is a warm-up contest, player rotations are likely throughout the match, and the entire squad will be given some match time before the 1st Test in Galle on August 15.