Sri Lanka has bolstered its squad for the second Test against India in Colombo by drafting in batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige. The hosts face significant selection challenges, as head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis will be unavailable for an extended period due to a “proper hamstring injury” sustained during the Lanka Premier League. Mendis has been replaced in the squad by Niroshan Dickwella.
Injury Setbacks and Squad Changes
The team is also set to be without Dinesh Chandimal, who was ruled out following an injury on Day 4 of the first Test in Galle, which India won by 165 runs. Concussion protocols necessitate a minimum seven-day stand-down time, leading to the inclusion of Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute. Additionally, Pathum Nissanka is considered unlikely to feature in the upcoming match.
New Additions in Form
- Sahan Arachchige, currently uncapped in Tests, impressed during the unofficial Tests between the two ‘A’ sides. He topped the run-charts for Lanka A and scored 127 in the second game. Although India A won that match by 10 wickets, his defiant knock at number five, while leading the side, was a major highlight.
- Kamil Mishara displayed excellent form during the Lanka Premier League 2026, his debut season. He continued this momentum by smashing a 72-ball 145 in the Major Clubs T20 tournament on the same day he received his Test squad call-up.
The second Test between the two sides begins on August 23.
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