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Kusal Mendis Eliminated From IND vs SL Tests, Another Player Out Of 1st Test

Abhinav Tyagi

Kusal Mendis - (Source: AFP)Kusal Mendis - (Source: AFP)

Things have gone from bad to worse for Sri Lanka cricket. The selectors are struggling to finalise the 15-member squad due to injury concerns, and Kusal Mendis is the latest victim. The star keeper-batter, who was doubtful for the upcoming Tests due to injury, has been ruled out of the entire series against India.

In the latest report from Nibraz Ramzan, Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the entire India vs Sri Lanka Test series starting from August 15. Notably, the right-handed batter has failed to recover from his hamstring injury.


Kusal Mendis Ruled Out, Pathum Nissanka to miss 1st Test

Kusal Mendis suffered a right-hamstring injury during LPL 2026 and was racing against time to be fit in time for the India series. He was earlier expected to miss the 1st Test, but the latest development suggests that Mendis won’t take part in either of the two Tests.

Besides Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka will also miss the first Test after he has failed to recover in time from the wrist surgery he had last month. Therefore, Sri Lanka will be without two of their biggest batters for at least the first Test of the series.

Will Sri Lanka Miss Kusal Mendis And Pathum Nissanka?

Kusal Mendis averages 41.49 in Sri Lanka, with 2365 Test runs under his belt at home after 59 innings. Against India, he had an opportunity to play a Test match only once in 2022 where he scored a half-century.

Also Read: Why Is KL Rahul Captaining India vs Sri Lanka? Is Shubman Gill Ruled Out?

Besides the record against India, Mendis' experience is something Sri Lanka will miss against the Shubman Gill-led side. Further, Mendis keeps wicket and it is always difficult for teams to replace their first-choice keeper in the team.

Pathum Nissanka, on the other hand, has 1310 runs in 33 innings, averaging 42.25. Similar to Kusal Mendis, Nissanka has also played a solitary Test against India, scoring a half-century.

Who Can Replace Kusal Mendis And Pathum Nissanka In the Squad?

As mentioned above, Sri Lanka are yet to announce their squad for India Tests. However, at present, the Sri Lanka XI side are playing a three-day practise match against Indian side. The ongoing match will give selectors a clarity about team selection.

Talking about the ongoing match, at the time of writing this article, Sri Lanka are going strong and have put 170/1 on the board after 39.3 overs. Openers Nishan Madhushka and Ravindu Rasantha slammed fifty-plus scores.

Madhushka has not played a Test for Sri Lanka since 2024 while Ravindu has a chance to earn his maiden Sri Lanka call-up. For the No. 7 role, Sri Lanka, in all likelihood, will replace Kusal Mendis with Pasindu Sooriyabandara. 

He was with the Sri Lanka Test squad in the West Indies last month and also captained the Sri Lanka A squad in his last First-Class match against New Zealand. Another name is Anjala Bandara who is keeping wickets in the practice match.

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