Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of their two-Test series against India, with star wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis expected to sit out the opening match in Galle starting August 15. Local media reports indicate that the 31-year-old, who boasts 4,836 runs from 74 Test appearances, is still on the mend following a hamstring strain.
Kusal Mendis might miss IND vs SL 1st Test
The setback occurred during the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2026 season while Mendis was representing Colombo Kaps. According to an official Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) statement released on July 22, the top-order batter sustained a right hamstring injury while taking a run against the Kandy Royals at Colombo's SSC ground on July 19.
To manage his recovery, SLC pulled Mendis from the tournament so he could begin a structured rehabilitation program at the National High Performance Centre. Sri Lanka will be desperate to have their key batter fully fit as they prepare to face the Indian side in Galle.
Recent reports indicate that Mendis is running out of time to achieve full fitness ahead of the series opener. While Sri Lanka Cricket has not yet finalised its official roster for the two-match assignment, losing a player of Mendis' caliber would severely dent the host nation's batting lineup.
The middle-order mainstay has been a crucial fixture in Sri Lanka's red-ball plans at home, having featured in both Tests against the West Indies earlier this summer, where he struck a vital first-innings fifty in the second match. That performance built on his prior success at home, including an 84-run effort against Bangladesh during their home series last year.
India too fret over injury woes
Meanwhile, India is facing serious fitness dilemmas of its own entering the Galle Test. Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan has delayed his departure to Sri Lanka as he continues his recovery, while Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out entirely due to a knee injury picked up during the July ODI series against England. In response to Bumrah's absence, Indian selectors handed a maiden call-up to Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi.