Sri Lanka are set to enter the second Test against India with major selection concerns, as wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis and experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal have been ruled out of the Colombo Test. The second and final match of the series will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club from August 23 to 27, with India leading 1-0 after a dominant victory in Galle.

Mendis missed the opening Test after suffering a hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League last month. According to Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten, the injury is serious enough to keep the wicketkeeper-batter out for an extended period. Chandimal, meanwhile, suffered a concussion during the fourth day of the Galle Test after hitting his head and shoulder while fielding.

Although his precautionary scans showed no internal injury, he failed the concussion assessment and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the match. Uncapped batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara replaced Chandimal as Sri Lanka’s concussion substitute and became one of the few players to make his Test debut as a substitute. However, his debut ended quickly as he was dismissed for a golden duck by India spinner Manav Suthar, who claimed six wickets in the second innings and finished with 10 wickets in the match.

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Gary Kirsten confirmed that Chandimal will not recover in time for the second Test, while also revealing that Mendis remains unavailable. “Kusal Mendis has a proper hamstring injury, and will not be available for a while,” Kirsten said.

The Sri Lankan coach also indicated that opening batter Pathum Nissanka remains doubtful for the Colombo Test. With several experienced players unavailable, Kirsten believes the situation could provide an opportunity for young cricketers to make their mark.

Sri Lanka has yet to announce their squad for the second Test, leaving uncertainty over whether Sooriyabandara will retain his place.

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In Mendis’ absence during the Galle Test, Niroshan Dickwella returned to the playing XI and made a significant contribution. He scored a composed 80 off 115 balls in the first innings and shared a crucial 146-run partnership with Sonal Dinusha for the sixth wicket. Their effort helped Sri Lanka avoid the follow-on and offered some resistance against India’s bowling attack.