[1] The ODI series formed part of the inaugural 2020–2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.

[4] Originally, the tour was scheduled to take place in June 2020, but was moved back to August 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,[5] before being postponed.

[11] Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) named Dasun Shanaka as the captain for tour, with their selectors releasing Kusal Perera from his captaincy role.

[21] It was also Sri Lanka's first bilateral series win against India across all formats of international cricket since August 2008.

[22] In May 2020, Sri Lanka Cricket sent an email to the BCCI requesting for the series to be played in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[32] However, as the tour may ease the financial loses faced due to COVID-19 pandemic by boosting Sri Lanka Cricket's revenue,[33] the board asked the BCCI to play five T20Is instead of three.

[44] Ahead of the series, Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews requested not to take part in the tour for personal reasons.

[48] Suminda Lakshan was added to Sri Lanka's T20I squad as cover for Wanindu Hasaranga, who suffered an injury in the third ODI.