Farveez Maharoof Says Sri Lanka Have Best Chance to Beat India in Test Series

Farveez Maharoof on India vs Sri Lanka Test series has highlighted what he believes could be Sri Lanka’s best opportunity in years to defeat India in a home Test series. With Dhananjaya de Silva leading the side, Maharoof feels the Sri Lankan captain could write his name into the country’s cricket history by ending a long wait for a series victory against India.

Sri Lanka have struggled to dominate India in Test cricket over the years, with their last Test victory against India coming in Galle in 2015. Since then, India have established a strong record in the rivalry, including winning the last four Test series between the two sides.

However, Maharoof believes the circumstances surrounding the upcoming series could provide Sri Lanka with a rare opportunity. He pointed towards India’s recent struggles and the questions surrounding their squad as reasons why the hosts should approach the series with greater confidence.

Farveez Maharoof says Sri Lanka can beat India

Maharoof feels Sri Lanka need to show greater consistency with both bat and ball if they want to challenge India across the Test series. He was particularly critical of the team’s batting performance during their recent tour of the West Indies.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s recent defeat in Antigua, Maharoof stressed the need for the top order to display more discipline and fight against India’s bowling attack.

According to Maharoof, Sri Lanka must avoid the soft dismissals that have hurt them in recent matches and make their opportunities count against a strong Indian side.

He also acknowledged that Sri Lanka will miss experienced players such as Angelo Mathews, but believes the team has enough emerging talent to compete with India.

Dhananjaya de Silva can enter Sri Lanka cricket history

Maharoof believes the upcoming series represents a particularly important opportunity for captain Dhananjaya de Silva. A successful series against India would not only boost Sri Lanka’s position in the World Test Championship but could also give Dhananjaya a significant place in the country’s cricket history.

The former Sri Lankan all-rounder pointed out that Sri Lanka have rarely managed to beat India in a Test series. As a result, leading the team to such an achievement at home would be a major accomplishment for Dhananjaya.

With India entering the series after an inconsistent period, Maharoof believes Sri Lanka should view the contest as an opportunity rather than being intimidated by India’s reputation.

Dinesh Chandimal backed to play a key role

While Dhananjaya will carry the responsibility of captaincy, Maharoof believes veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal could be one of Sri Lanka’s most important players during the series.

Chandimal has an impressive record against India in Test cricket. In eight Tests against India, he has scored 750 runs at an average of 50, including two centuries and three half-centuries.

One of his most memorable performances against India came during Sri Lanka’s previous Test victory over the visitors in Galle in 2015. Chandimal scored 59 in the first innings before producing an unbeaten 162 in the second innings as Sri Lanka secured a 63-run victory.

Maharoof wants Chandimal to bat at No. 3, where his experience could be crucial against India’s bowling attack.

Kamindu Mendis another important batting option

Maharoof also pointed towards the emergence of Kamindu Mendis as another reason for optimism in the Sri Lankan camp. The youngster is expected to play an important role in the middle order and could potentially bat at No. 4.

Sri Lanka will need contributions from both experienced and younger players if they are to challenge India’s strong bowling attack. The ability of the middle order to handle spin and build partnerships could become particularly important in the Sri Lankan conditions.

India enter series with questions to answer

India’s recent results have given Sri Lanka additional hope. Maharoof highlighted India’s defeat to South Africa at home and believes the visitors are not entering the series without weaknesses.

India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings with four wins, four defeats and one draw. Their win percentage stands at 48.15.

Sri Lanka are sixth in the WTC standings with one win, one defeat and two draws. Their win percentage is 41.67 after an unsuccessful tour of the West Indies.

Both teams therefore have plenty at stake, with every Test carrying importance in the race to strengthen their position in the WTC cycle.

India vs Sri Lanka Test head-to-head record

India and Sri Lanka have faced each other 46 times in Test cricket. India have won 22 matches, while Sri Lanka have recorded seven victories. Another 17 matches have ended in draws.

The last time Sri Lanka defeated India in a Test was in Galle in 2015, when the hosts won by 63 runs. Since that match, India have dominated the Test rivalry and won the last four series between the teams.

India’s previous Test series defeat against Sri Lanka came in 2008. Sri Lanka have won three Test series against India overall, making a potential victory for Dhananjaya’s team particularly significant.

India vs Sri Lanka Test squads

India have named a squad led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain. The squad includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi.

Sri Lanka are yet to officially announce their Test squad. Reports suggest they are working on a replacement for the injured Kusal Mendis, while Niroshan Dickwella could potentially return to the Test setup.

Why this series matters for Sri Lanka

For Sri Lanka, the series is about much more than a home contest against India. A strong performance would provide valuable momentum in the World Test Championship and demonstrate that the team can compete with one of the world’s leading Test sides.

For Dhananjaya de Silva, the stakes are even higher. If Sri Lanka can finally end their long wait for a Test series victory over India, the achievement would become one of the defining moments of his captaincy.

Maharoof’s message is therefore clear: Sri Lanka must play with greater consistency, make the most of India’s vulnerabilities and give their experienced players the platform to deliver. If they can do that, the hosts may have their best opportunity in years to change the history of this Test rivalry.