The Sri Lankan batters Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal are out of the second test against India, set to be played in Colombo.

On the other hand, Pathum Nissanka is also unlikely to be fit in time for the match, and hence Sri Lanka will be missing the first-choice batters as they attempt to recover from a 1-0 deficit in the two-match series.

Kusal Mendis has not played any competitive cricket since his hamstring injury in the early stages of the LPL 2026. He was replaced by Niroshan Dickwella in the test squad and has made 80 in the first innings.

On the other hand, Dinesh Chandimal is automatically ruled out of the second test due to the ICC rule stipulating that players who are substituted for concussion- reasons cannot play for seven days.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara has been named as the concussion substitute and was out for a duck in the first test innings.

Meanwhile, Pathum Nissanka is battling to recover from the wrist surgery he underwent in June. It is understood that Kusal Mendis is match fit, but he is still experiencing discomfort while batting.

“Kusal Mendis has a proper hamstring injury, and will not be available for a while,” said Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten.

“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. Some players have got really good first-class records in this country. It’s a good opportunity for them.”

Sri Lanka suffered a 165-run defeat in the first test against India and will be aiming for a win to level the series. Currently, Sri Lanka are in the 6th position of the WTC 2025-27 points table.

The second match of the test series will be played between August 23 and 27 at the SSC Cricket GroundColombo.