Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of the second and final Test against India, with experienced batters Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal ruled out of the fixture.
The second Test is scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed the unavailability of the duo following the hosts’ 165-run defeat in the opening Test against India.
Mendis has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the early stages of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026. He was subsequently replaced by wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella in Sri Lanka’s squad for the first Test.
Chandimal, meanwhile, will miss the second Test due to the mandatory seven-day stand-down period under ICC concussion regulations after being substituted for concussion-related reasons.
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Sri Lanka could also be without Pathum Nissanka, who remains doubtful for the Colombo Test as he continues to recover from wrist surgery he underwent in June.
Despite the absence of several experienced players, Kirsten believes the situation provides an opportunity for Sri Lanka’s emerging players to make their mark at the highest level.
“Kusal Mendis has a proper hamstring injury, and will not be available for a while,” Kirsten said.
“Dinesh is also not available for the next Test. So we’re missing a few guys from that perspective, but it creates a good opportunity for young players to come in and stake their claim.”
“There are players who have got really good first-class records in this country. It’s a good opportunity for them.”
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