Bad news for Sri Lanka! Pathum Nissanka & THIS star player RULED OUT of first SL vs IND Test - Reports
Pathum Nissanka has been Sri Lanka’s best player in all formats since last few years
The Sri Lanka Cricket Team are preparing to host India for a two-match Test series, with the opening game scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle. The series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
The first Test will be followed by the second match at the SSC in Colombo from August 23. Sri Lanka‘s batting combination is facing uncertainty ahead of the series, with injuries affecting the availability of established players.
According to reports in Revsportz, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are unlikely to recover in time for the opening Test. Both players are continuing their rehabilitation, with their availability for the second Test also uncertain.
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis ruled out of first SL vs IND Test
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis’ injuries could potentially keep them out of the entire two-match series. Both players are undergoing rehabilitation, but their chances of returning even for the second Test currently appear slim, according to the report.
Nissanka has been sidelined for the opening Test as he continues his recovery from a wrist surgery, while Mendis picked up a hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) tournament.Nissanka’s absence will see Nishan Madushka take his place at the top of the order. Madushka strengthened his case by scoring 66 runs for Sri Lanka Cricket XI against India in the ongoing three-day warm-up match in Colombo. Mendis’ unavailability raises another selection problem given his position as a wicketkeeper-batter.
Sri Lanka have several options to fill the wicketkeeper’s role in Mendis’ absence. Sadeera Samarawickrama, Anjana Bandara and Niroshan Dickwella, who last played Test in 2023, are among the players who can be considered for the position. At the same time, the team management will have to finalise its combination ahead of the series opener.
The absence of Nissanka and Mendis leaves Sri Lanka without two established members of their batting unit for the first Test. The hosts will now need to settle their top-order and wicketkeeping combination before facing the Shubman Gill-led side in Galle.
Are Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis playing the first Test against India?
No. Both Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are expected to miss the first Test due to their respective injuries.
Who could replace Kusal Mendis?
Sri Lanka have several wicketkeeping options, including Sadeera Samarawickrama, Anjana Bandara and Niroshan Dickwella.
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Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.