Experienced batters
Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal are set to miss the second Test, while the
fitness of another important batter, Pathum Nissanka, remains uncertain.
Sri Lanka lost the
Galle Test by 165 runs and now need a strong response in Colombo to level the
two-match series.
Mendis has been out
of action since suffering a hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League.
He also missed the opening Test. In his absence, Niroshan Dickwella made a
strong case for himself by scoring 80 in the first innings and could retain his
place in the playing XI.
Chandimal, meanwhile,
is unlikely to recover in time for the second Test after suffering a shoulder
and neck injury while fielding near the boundary on the fourth day in Galle. He
was subsequently taken to hospital.
Pasindu
Sooriyabandara replaced Chandimal as a concussion substitute and could keep his
place despite being dismissed for a duck on his Test debut.
Under the ICC's
concussion replacement regulations, a player suffering such an injury cannot
return to the field within seven days, effectively ruling Chandimal out of the
second Test.
Nissanka's
availability is also uncertain. The opener underwent wrist surgery in June and
has yet to regain full fitness. Although he is closer to returning than Mendis,
he is still experiencing discomfort while batting.
Sri Lanka Cricket have yet to announce the final squad for the second Test. With the series on the line, the hosts now face a major selection challenge as they look to find the right combination against India.
Topic : Cricket India Sri Lanka INDvsSL Kusal Mendis

Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Published Date : August 20, 2026
