Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of the second Test against India, with Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal ruled out of the Colombo match. Pathum Nissanka is also unlikely to recover in time, leaving the hosts without three of their first-choice batters.
Mendis has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League and has not played competitive cricket since. Niroshan Dickwella, who scored 80 in the first innings of the opening Test, is expected to retain his place in the side.
Chandimal will miss the second Test after being substituted for concussion-related reasons during the first match in Galle. Under ICC regulations, a player replaced because of concussion cannot return to play within seven days. His absence could give debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara another opportunity despite his first-innings duck.
Nissanka is recovering from wrist surgery he underwent in June. Although he is closer to full fitness than Mendis, he continues to experience discomfort while batting and is unlikely to be available.
Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Mendis and Chandimal will miss the match but said their absence creates opportunities for younger players to establish themselves.
Sri Lanka trail the two-match series 1-0 and will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for the second Test, beginning Sunday in Colombo.
