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LPL 2026: Major blow for Sri Lanka and Colombo Caps; Kusal Mendis ruled out of Lanka Premier League due to hamstring injury
Bad news has emerged for Sri Lanka Cricket and the Colombo Caps amidst the Lanka Premier League (LPL 2026). Sri Lanka's white-ball captain and star wicketkeeper-batter, Kusal Mendis, has been completely ruled out of the current LPL season due to a hamstring injury.
In Mendis's absence, Kamindu Mendis will now take over the captaincy of the Colombo Caps for the remainder of the tournament.
Injured while taking a run, heading for rehabilitation
According to an official statement issued by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), "Kusal Mendis sustained an injury to his right hamstring while attempting to take a run during the match against Kandy Royals at the SSC ground in Colombo on July 19. He subsequently underwent an immediate medical assessment and will now return to the National High-Performance Center to begin his rehabilitation program."
Uncertainty looms over upcoming Test series against India
Kusal Mendis's exit is a major setback not only for the Colombo Caps but also for the Sri Lankan national team. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play a two-match home Test series against India starting August 15. As a key player across all three formats and the team's primary wicketkeeper, his participation in the series against India was considered crucial. However, the SLC has not yet clarified how long it will take for him to achieve full fitness.
Mendis was in magnificent form
This injury has come at a time when Kusal Mendis was enjoying the best form of his career:
- LPL 2026: In the Colombo Caps' very first match against the Galle Gallants, he played a blistering knock of 79 runs off 53 balls.
- PSL 2026: In the Pakistan Super League, he scored 550 runs across 11 innings at a strike rate of 168.19.
- International Statistics (2026): This year, he has scored 408 runs in 14 T20I innings, while amassing 211 runs at an average of 70.33 in 4 ODI innings.
Ahead of the crucial Test series against India, Sri Lanka will be hoping that their in-form wicketkeeper-batsman makes a full recovery in time.
