Sri Lanka have been dealt a major setback ahead of the second Test against India, with Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal ruled out, while Pathum Nissanka is also unlikely to recover in time.
The hosts are already trailing 1-0 in the two-match series following their defeat in Galle, and could now head into the decisive Test in Colombo without three of their first-choice batters.
Kusal Mendis Remains Sidelined
Mendis has not played competitive cricket since suffering a hamstring injury during the early stages of the Lanka Premier League.
The experienced batter was unavailable for the opening Test, with Niroshan Dickwella coming into the side as his replacement. Dickwella made an important 80 in the first innings and is now expected to retain his place in the XI for the Colombo Test.
Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Mendis' injury will keep him out for longer.
"Kusal Mendis has a proper hamstring injury, and will not be available for a while," Kirsten said.
His absence is a significant blow for a Sri Lankan batting unit already struggling with multiple fitness concerns.
Dinesh Chandimal Automatically Ruled Out
Chandimal will also miss the second Test after suffering an injury while fielding during the first match in Galle.
He was replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute during the game. Under ICC regulations, a player substituted for concussion-related reasons cannot participate in another match for seven days.
That automatically rules Chandimal out of the second Test.
Sooriyabandara made his Test debut in Galle but was dismissed for a duck in his first innings. However, with Sri Lanka's batting resources increasingly stretched, he could retain his place in the side for the next match.
Pathum Nissanka Faces Race Against Time
Pathum Nissanka is also unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.
The Sri Lanka opener underwent surgery in June and is reportedly closer to match fitness than Mendis. However, he is still experiencing discomfort while batting and may not be ready for a return.
If Nissanka is unavailable, Sri Lanka will head into the second Test without three key batting options.
That leaves the selectors with some major decisions to make ahead of the must-win match in Colombo.
Big Opportunity for Sri Lanka's Young Players
Despite the injury problems, Kirsten believes the absences could create opportunities for younger players to establish themselves at Test level.
"We're missing a few guys from that perspective, but it creates a good opportunity for young players to come in and stake their claim," Kirsten said.
Sri Lanka have not yet announced their squad for the second Test. The group selected before the series was only intended for the opening match, meaning fresh players could now be drafted in.
With several experienced batters unavailable, strong domestic performers could get a rare opportunity to prove themselves against one of the strongest Test sides in world cricket.
India Hold the Advantage Heading Into Colombo
India already have a 1-0 lead after winning the opening Test in Galle, putting Sri Lanka under immediate pressure to respond.
The second Test is now a must-win game for the hosts if they want to avoid a series defeat. However, their task has become considerably more difficult following the latest injury updates.
India, meanwhile, will head into the match with momentum after a dominant performance in the series opener.
Sri Lanka's depleted batting lineup will therefore face a major challenge against an Indian attack that found considerable success in Galle.
Sri Lanka's Injury Crisis Deepens
The possible absence of Mendis, Chandimal and Nissanka leaves Sri Lanka short of experience at a critical stage of the series.
Mendis has been sidelined since the Lanka Premier League injury, Chandimal is unavailable because of concussion protocols, while Nissanka is still recovering from wrist surgery.
For Sri Lanka, the second Test could now become a defining opportunity for several younger players.
They will need to step up quickly if the hosts are to challenge India and level the series.
With India already 1-0 ahead and Sri Lanka facing a growing injury list, the pressure is firmly on the hosts heading into the decisive Test in Colombo.
