Padikkal comes in as India opt to bat in Galle; Nuwantha debuts for Sri Lanka

India elected to bat first after captain Shubman Gill won the toss in the historic 50th Test match at the Galle International Stadium. The match marks a momentous milestone for the visitors, representing India's 600th appearance in Test cricket. With both teams needing a 2-0 series sweep to keep their World Test Championship final hopes alive, the stakes in Galle are exceptionally high. The pitch presents an even covering of grass with no immediate dry patches. While early moisture is expected to offer initial seam movement, conditions are projected to settle into a favorable track for batters as the match progresses. Team News & Lineup Changes India made one forced change to their top order, bringing in left-hander Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3 to replace the injured B Sai Sudharsan. The visiting side selected a balanced attack featuring three spin options—Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, and Kuldeep Yadav—alongside pace duo Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Sri Lanka introduced a surprise in their bowling lineup, handing a Test debut to 25-year-old off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha over Ramesh Mendis. In the batting department, Nishan Madushka steps in for injured opener Pathum Nissanka, while wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella makes his return to the Test side after a three-year absence. Playing XIs India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna. Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.