Sri Lanka Set to Miss Mendis and Chandimal for Colombo Test

Sri Lanka’s hopes of bouncing back in the Test series against India have suffered another setback, with key batters Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal ruled out of the second Test in Colombo. The hosts, already trailing 0-1 after a 165-run defeat in Galle, now face a major challenge against a confident Indian side.

The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo, with Sri Lanka needing a strong response to keep the two-match series alive.

Kusal Mendis Continues to Recover From Hamstring Injury

Kusal Mendis will miss the Colombo Test as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered during the Lanka Premier League. The wicketkeeper-batter had already been ruled out of the opening Test in Galle, with Niroshan Dickwella recalled to the Test squad as his replacement.

Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Mendis’ injury remains serious enough to keep him on the sidelines, saying the batter would not be available for the upcoming Test and could remain out for some time. Dickwella provided a timely contribution in Galle, scoring 80 in Sri Lanka’s first innings after returning to Test cricket. His experience could once again prove important as the hosts attempt to rebuild their batting order.

Chandimal Ruled Out After Galle Injury

Dinesh Chandimal’s absence is a more recent blow for Sri Lanka. The veteran batter suffered a neck and shoulder injury while fielding during the first Test and was subsequently taken for medical assessment.

Chandimal was unable to continue in the match and was replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute. Under the relevant concussion protocols, Chandimal must observe the mandatory recovery period, ruling him out of the Colombo Test. His absence removes another experienced figure from a Sri Lankan middle order that already faces considerable pressure following the defeat in Galle.

Pathum Nissanka Remains a Doubt

Sri Lanka could potentially be without a third major batter in Colombo. Pathum Nissanka remains unavailable, having been recovering from wrist surgery. Kirsten indicated that Nissanka is also not expected to be available for the next Test, meaning Sri Lanka could enter the contest without three of their first-choice batters. That leaves captain Dhananjaya de Silva and the younger members of the batting group with greater responsibility against India’s attack.

Sri Lanka Face a Must-Win Test

The timing of the injuries could hardly be worse for Sri Lanka. India secured a 165-run victory in Galle, taking a 1-0 lead and putting themselves in a strong position to claim the series. Sri Lanka’s task in Colombo will therefore extend beyond simply replacing two experienced players. They need their replacements to deliver immediately while their established batters must provide greater consistency.

Kirsten has stressed the importance of his players embracing the challenge of Test cricket. He also mentioned that the Colombo Test will provide another opportunity for Sri Lanka’s rising talent.

Can Sri Lanka Level the Series?

With Mendis and Chandimal unavailable and Nissanka still doubtful, Sri Lanka’s batting depth will face a stern examination. Dickwella’s experience, alongside contributions from Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva and the younger batters, could become crucial.

India, meanwhile, will enter Colombo with momentum after their commanding Galle victory. For Sri Lanka, the equation is straightforward: they must find a way to overcome their injury setbacks and produce a much-improved performance. The Colombo Test could therefore become a defining moment for a Sri Lankan side looking to prevent India from completing a series victory.

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