Rain has already started playing spoilsport in Galle, with India’s final practice session ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka being cut short on Friday. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were seen helping carry the practice equipment back towards the dressing room today. With the two-match Test series set to begin on Saturday, August 15, the big question now is whether the weather could affect the opening day’s action.
Galle Weather Today: India’s Practise Ends Due To Rain
Today, Galle has seen rain at intervals since the morning, with cloudy and humid conditions expected to continue. There is a 97% chance of rain for the day, according to AccuWeather. The latest forecast also points towards showers on Saturday morning, with the temperature expected to reach around 31°C and dip to around 27°C. Day 1 of India vs Sri Lanka is expected to begin breezy with a few showers before remaining cloudy and humid. This means that while rain is certainly a concern, there is also a possibility of windows of play during the day.
The forecast suggests that the weather could improve as the day progresses, which could be good news for India and Sri Lanka. However, with showers already affecting India’s preparations, there is no guarantee that the Test will get a completely uninterrupted start.
🌧️ Rain brings an early end to Team India’s practice session in Galle!
Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar were among those seen helping carry the practice equipment back from the ground to the dressing room.
The weather has forced India to cut short their… pic.twitter.com/Hrq7J97TvY
— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) August 14, 2026
Will Rain Delay the India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test?
Yes, a delay or interruption is possible, particularly if the morning showers persist around the scheduled start. The latest reports also indicate that showers remain a threat for the opening day and could affect play during the Test.
Washout Scenario:
However, a complete Day 1 washout does not appear to be the most likely scenario based on the current forecast. The weather is expected to have some breaks, meaning the teams could still get enough cricket if the rain clears for extended periods.
The bigger concern will be repeated interruptions. Even if the rain does not wash out the entire day, frequent showers could lead to delayed starts, stoppages and shortened sessions.
So, for now, fans should expect the possibility of a delayed start or interruptions but not assume that the entire first day will be washed out. The weather in Galle can change quickly, and the final call will depend on conditions at the ground on Saturday morning.
