After Sri Lanka’s terrible performance against India in the first Test in Galle, former India captain and right-handed opening batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth said Sri Lanka should play ODIs rather than Tests because they keep struggling with form in the longest format. Additionally, he is adamant that India would win the second Test with ease because the Lankans are a weak team.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth acknowledged the visitors’ performance in limited overs but claimed they aren’t on par with India in Test cricket. Even if Sri Lanka bats first, he said, they are unable to score more than 350 runs.
He said, “India will win the second Test also easily as Sri Lanka are a poor Test side. Sri Lanka may be good in ODIs, but in Tests, they will surely lose the second match as well. The toss is crucial, but even if Sri Lanka win the toss and bat first, how will they score 350?”
At the first Test at Galle, Sri Lanka’s performance against India was awful. They were defeated by 165 runs. Manav Suthar, an Indian left-arm spinner who claimed ten wickets during the encounter, was a difficult opponent for the Lankans. The top-order batting lineup of Sri Lanka was unable to maintain the crease for extended periods of time. Sonal Dinusha, who scored 100 and 84 in the two innings, respectively, was their lone standout.
Despite recent injuries to Kushal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka hopes to make a significant recovery in the second Test match against India in Colombo. After the injuries, Arachchige was called up after playing well for Sri Lanka A versus India A, and Mishara joined the team after playing well at home. It is anticipated that debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who took Chandimal’s place in Galle as a concussion substitute, will keep his position.
In the current WTC 2025–27 cycle, India will next play Australia in five Tests at home and New Zealand in two Tests away from home. Srikkanth believed that the two-Test NZ visit away from home will be significantly impacted by Jasprit Bumrah’s selection.
