Sri Lanka have been hit by two major injury setbacks ahead of their two-match Test series against India. Opener Pathum Nissanka will miss the first Test, while wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the entire series.
The injuries come at a difficult time for Sri Lanka, with the opening Test scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15.
Kusal Mendis Ruled Out
Kusal Mendis will not feature in either of the two Tests after failing to recover from the right hamstring injury he suffered during the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
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The injury occurred on July 19 while Mendis was playing for Colombo Kaps against Kandy Royals at the SSC in Colombo. Although he has been undergoing rehabilitation since then, he has not regained full fitness in time for the India series.
His absence leaves a big gap in Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, with the experienced batter set to miss an important home assignment.
Pathum Nissanka To Miss Opening Test
Sri Lanka have also lost Pathum Nissanka for the first Test because of injury.
There is still no confirmation on whether the opener will be fit for the second and final Test, adding to the hosts’ selection worries ahead of the series.
The development was confirmed by Sri Lankan sports journalist Nibraz Ramzan, who posted on X.
“Kusal Mendis ruled out of the Test series against India due to an injury, and it is confirmed that Pathum Nissanka is out of the selection for the first test also due to an injury.”