Sri Lanka Draft Mishara and Arachchige into Colombo Test Squad

Sri Lanka have turned to fresh faces ahead of the second Test against India. They drafted Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige into the squad for the Colombo clash. The move comes after injuries ruled out key batters Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, leaving the hosts with a reshaped batting unit as they look to level the series.

The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23 at the SSC in Colombo, with Sri Lanka trailing 0-1 after India secured a 165-run victory in the opening Test at Galle.

Injuries Force Sri Lanka to Look for New Options

Sri Lanka’s batting department has been hit by a series of setbacks. Kusal Mendis, who was already dealing with a hamstring problem sustained during the Lanka Premier League, has been ruled out. Dinesh Chandimal will also miss the Colombo Test after suffering a concussion during the Galle match.

Chandimal’s absence is particularly significant because concussion protocols require a minimum seven-day stand-down period before a player can return. Pathum Nissanka, meanwhile, remains unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery. With several experienced options unavailable, Sri Lanka have opted to bring in two players who have impressed in domestic and A-team cricket.

Kamil Mishara Earns Call-Up After Strong Form

Top-order batter Kamil Mishara has been rewarded for a productive run of form. The left-hander impressed during his first Lanka Premier League season and continued his momentum in the Major Clubs T20 tournament.

On the same day he received his Test call-up, Mishara smashed an outstanding 145 off just 72 balls, underlining his ability to score quickly and put pressure on bowling attacks. He is yet to make his Test debut, but his recent performances have put him firmly in Sri Lanka’s plans. Mishara was also among the new additions to Sri Lanka’s national contracts for the 2026-27 season.

Sahan Arachchige Brings All-Round Ability

Sahan Arachchige provides Sri Lanka with another option. The batting all-rounder impressed during the unofficial Tests between Sri Lanka A and India A, scoring 127 in the second game. Arachchige’s innings came while he was leading Lanka A and was one of the standout performances despite India A eventually winning the match by 10 wickets. His ability to contribute with the bat while offering an additional bowling option makes him a useful addition to a squad facing selection uncertainty.

Like Mishara, Arachchige is yet to play Test cricket for Sri Lanka. This makes the Colombo Test a potential opportunity for the national selectors to introduce another promising talent.

Colombo Test Becomes a Crucial Challenge

Sri Lanka now face the difficult task of recovering from their defeat in Galle. They simultaneously are adapting to an inexperienced batting combination. India, meanwhile, will enter the second Test with the advantage of a 1-0 lead.

The hosts will be hoping that their new additions can provide the energy and attacking intent needed to challenge India’s strong bowling attack. For Mishara and Arachchige, the opportunity is even bigger. A Test debut on home soil could be the beginning of an important chapter. Senior players are missing and the series is on the line. With these going on, Sri Lanka’s decision to back rising player proves decisive in Colombo.

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