Sri Lanka are set to receive a major injury blow ahead of the opening Test against India, with star wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis unlikely to recover in time for the series opener in Galle, which begins on August 15. The experienced batter is still undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a hamstring injury during the 2026 Lanka Premier League.

According to reports in the Sri Lankan media, the 31-year-old is not expected to regain full fitness before the first Test. His absence would leave a significant void in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, given his experience and consistent contributions in the longest format.

Mendis, who has scored 4,836 runs in 74 Tests, sustained the injury while representing Colombo Kaps in an LPL clash against Kandy Royals on July 19. Sri Lanka Cricket had earlier confirmed the setback in an official statement.

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“Mendis sustained a right hamstring injury while attempting a run during the Colombo Kaps’ match against the Kandy Royals on July 19. Accordingly, he will return to the National High Performance Centre to commence his rehabilitation programme,” the board said.

Although Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to announce its squad for the two-match Test series, Mendis’ availability remains doubtful, making him a race against time for the Galle Test.

🚨 REPORTS 🚨

Kusal Mendis is likely to miss the first Test against India as he continues to recover from an injury. ❌

(Source – Danuska Aravinda)#Cricket #SriLanka #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/4k2OMz6GOQ

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 6, 2026

The wicketkeeper-batter has been in encouraging form in home conditions. During Sri Lanka’s recent Test series against the West Indies, he featured in both matches and scored a valuable half-century in the second Test. Before that, he registered a fluent 84 against Bangladesh in Sri Lanka’s previous home Test.

India, too, are battling injury concerns ahead of the World Test Championship contest. Premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has already been ruled out with a left knee injury, while promising batter B Sai Sudharsan remains at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as he continues to recover from a toe injury.

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With Bumrah unavailable, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has earned his maiden Test call-up. After an outstanding domestic season that included 60 Ranji Trophy wickets, the 29-year-old will be eager to seize the opportunity if he is handed his Test debut during the Sri Lanka series.