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The Sri Lankan cricket team is facing significant setbacks ahead of the second Test match against India, scheduled to begin in Colombo on Sunday. Two key batsmen—Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal—have been completely ruled out of the second Test, while the participation of in-form batsman Pathum Nissanka also appears highly unlikely.
Sri Lanka is already trailing 0-1 in the two-match Test series. Consequently, staging a comeback in the absence of three of their key batsmen will prove to be a major challenge for the host team.
Players ruled out due to injury and regulations
- Kusal Mendis (Hamstring injury): Mendis has not yet recovered from a severe hamstring injury sustained during the early matches of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Niroshan Dickwella, who replaced him in the first Test, played a magnificent innings of 80 runs in the first innings; as a result, his place in the playing XI is assured.
- Dinesh Chandimal (Concussion protocol): Chandimal was forced off the field as a concussion substitute after sustaining an injury on the fourth day of the Galle Test. According to ICC concussion regulations, a player must remain sidelined for seven days following a head injury. Under this rule, he is automatically ruled out of the second Test. Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who made his debut in his place, might retain his spot in the team despite being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.
- Pathum Nissanka (Wrist surgery): Nissanka, who underwent wrist surgery in June, is recovering rapidly but continues to experience discomfort and pain while batting. This makes his participation in the Colombo Test extremely unlikely.
Statement by Coach Gary Kirsten
Sri Lankan head coach Gary Kirsten clarified the situation, stating:
Kusal Mendis has sustained a severe hamstring injury and will be unavailable for some time. Dinesh is also unavailable for the next Test. We will certainly miss our senior players, but this is an excellent opportunity for the young players to prove themselves. We have many young players in our country with strong first-class records.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had initially announced the squad only for the first Test; the revised squad for the second Test will be announced soon.
