Key Player Doubtful For India Vs Sri Lanka Test Series Due To Injury

A key player is doubtful for IND Vs SL Tests [Source: AFP]

One of the most renowned cricketers is doubtful for the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka Test series due to an injury. 

On Thursday, July 2, the SLC announced the India tour of Sri Lanka schedule 2026, comprising two Test matches between the South Asian rivals. 

Hours after the schedule was unveiled, one of Sri Lanka's game-changers was sidelined from the second Test against West Indies, with doubts looming over his participation in the two-match series against India in August. 

Pathum Nissanka's wrist injury rules him out of LPL, WI Tests

Experienced opener and one of Sri Lanka's veteran cricketer Pathum Nissanka sustained a wrist injury which ruled him out of the second Test against West Indies. 

Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka incurred a crushing defeat in the series opener and would be desperate to bounce back with a win in the decider, starting on July 3 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. 

However, as the Lankans gear up for the do-or-die encounter, they have suffered a massive setback, with Pathum Nissanka's wrist injury sidelining him from the all-important fixture. 

In addition, Lahiru Kumara will miss the WI Vs SL 2nd Test due to a hamstring injury, while Vishwa Fernando and Ramesh Mendis have been ruled out of the decider due to injury and illness, respectively. 

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According to NewsWire, Nissanka has travelled to the UK to undergo wrist surgery, and he has also withdrawn from the LPL 2026, starting on July 17. 

Wrist injury jeopardises Pathum Nissanka's participation in India vs Sri Lanka Test series

The India vs Sri Lanka Test series commences on August 15, only seven days after the conclusion of the LPL 2026 season. 

Therefore, Pathum Nissanka, who has already withdrawn from the LPL, won't get enough time to rehabilitate and become fully fit for the Test series on home soil. 

So, reports have claimed that Pathum Nissanka is highly doubtful for the India vs Sri Lanka series, and it won't be surprising if the wrist injury prevents him from participating in the two-match leg. 

Notably, Nissanka had been managing the wrist injury for a majority part of Sri Lanka's ongoing tour of the Caribbean. However, he endured two consecutive failures amid his tryst with the fitness setback, scoring only five runs in the first Test in Antigua. 

As the injury worsened, Nissanka decided to go under the knife, prioritising his recovery amid a packed cricketing calendar. 

The stylish right-hander was supposed to play for the Jaffna Kings in the LPL 2026, and considering his experience and overall performance in the tournament (811 runs, 1 hundred, 5 fifties), Nissanka's absence is a significant blow to the reigning LPL champions. 

Why could Sri Lanka miss Pathum Nissanka if wrist injury rules him out of India Tests?

Pathum Nissanka has been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in Tests, amassing 1310 runs, including four hundreds and seven fifties, in 33 innings at a healthy average of 42.3. 

He is Sri Lanka's second most successful Test batter since 2025, having amassed 393 runs at a magnificent average of 56.14. 

Additionally, Nissanka has been impressive in Sri Lanka's home Tests, scoring 725 runs with the help of two hundreds and three fifties in 18 innings. 

Therefore, given his recent form, experience and performances at home, we reckon Pathum Nissanka will be a big miss for the hosts in the India vs Sri Lanka Test series if the wrist injury sidelines him from the two-match WTC assignment. 

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