To bolster their options for the second Test against India in Colombo, Sri Lanka have added top-order batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige to their squad. The squad reshuffle comes amidst a severe injury crisis for the home side, who will be forced to field a heavily depleted lineup without key figures Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, alongside major doubts surrounding Pathum Nissanka's availability.
Sahan Arachchige, Kamil Mishara added to Sri Lanka's squad for Colombo Test
Addressing the fallout from their 165-run defeat in Galle, head coach Gary Kirsten disclosed that Mendis is facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to a severe hamstring tear—a recurring issue that originally flared up during the Lanka Premier League. Niroshan Dickwella was brought in to cover his spot. Meanwhile, Chandimal was officially ruled out after sustaining an injury on the fourth day, triggering a mandatory seven-day concussion protocol that saw Pasindu Sooriyabandara step in as his replacement.
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Arachchige, who is yet to make his Test debut, earned his call-up on the back of a standout showing against India 'A'. Captaining the Sri Lanka 'A' side, he anchored the batting effort with a resilient 127 in the middle order during the second unofficial Test. Despite his team suffering a 10-wicket defeat, his gritty century stood out as the defining performance for the home side.
Meanwhile, Kamil Mishara rode a wave of white-ball form straight into the red-ball setup. After a promising run in the 2026 Lanka Premier League, the dynamic batter made an emphatic statement on the very day of his Test selection, smashing a blistering 145 off just 72 deliveries in the Major Clubs T20 tournament.
Both uncapped players now join the national squad as Sri Lanka prepares to clash with India in the crucial second Test, scheduled to begin on August 23.
Notably, the India notched an emphatic 165-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test and will look to sweep the series opener in Colombo.