Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Sri Lanka Lose Three Key Batters Before Second Test
Sri Lanka will be missing three important batters in its next cricket match against India.
Kusal Mendis has a hamstring injury.
Pathum Nissanka is still recovering from wrist surgery and feels discomfort while batting.
Dinesh Chandimal suffered a concussion during the first Test.
A cricket rule says players replaced because of a concussion must wait seven days before playing again.
The next Test begins in four days, so Chandimal cannot play.
Sri Lanka lost the first Test by 165 runs and needs a strong performance to recover.
The absences may give less experienced players a chance to show what they can do.
Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka will miss Sri Lanka’s second Test against India.
Mendis is sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained during the Lanka Premier League.
Chandimal suffered a concussion while fielding in Sri Lanka’s first Test in Galle.
ICC rules bar concussion replacements from playing competitively for seven days, ruling Chandimal out.
Sri Lanka trail India 1-0 and will host the second Test in Colombo on August 23.
- Who
- Sri Lankan batters Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka are unavailable against India.
- What
- Sri Lanka will enter the second Test without three first-team batters.
- When
- The second Test starts on Sunday, August 23, four days after the first Test.
- Where
- The match will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo; the first Test was in Galle.
- Why
- Mendis has a hamstring injury, Nissanka is recovering from wrist surgery, and Chandimal is subject to the ICC’s seven-day concussion-replacement restriction.
Injury Crisis
Opportunity for New Players
Effect on Sri Lanka’s batting
Injury Crisis
The absence of three first-team batters leaves Sri Lanka with a less experienced lineup and makes a comeback against India more difficult.
Opportunity for New Players
Coach Gary Kirsten said the absences create an opportunity for players who had been on the bench or have strong first-class records to establish themselves.
Selection of Replacements
Injury Crisis
Pasindu Sooriyabandara was dismissed for a duck in Sri Lanka’s second innings, while Chandimal’s enforced absence removes an experienced player.
Opportunity for New Players
Sooriyabandara is likely to retain his place, and Niroshan Dickwella’s gritty 80 in the first innings supports his continued selection.
- Series position
- Sri Lanka trail India 1-0; sources describe the series as either two matches or three Tests.
- Unavailable players
- Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka.
- Mendis’ injury
- A hamstring injury suffered during the Lanka Premier League; coach Gary Kirsten said he would be unavailable for a while.
- Nissanka’s condition
- Recovery from wrist surgery in June, with continued discomfort while batting.
- Chandimal’s injury
- A concussion suffered while attempting to save a boundary during the first Test in Galle.
- Concussion rule
- Players substituted because of concussion cannot play in a competitive match for seven days.
- Likely replacements
- Niroshan Dickwella and debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara are likely to retain their places.
