Batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige have been called up to Sri Lanka’s team for the second Test against India, which begins on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The pair are the most recent arrivals as the hosts deal with a mounting injury list ahead of the contest.
India seized the series lead by 165 runs after winning the Galle Test, and Sri Lanka will now play the Colombo Test without Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Pathum Nissanka.
Niroshan Dickwella had previously been called in to replace Mendis, and Pasindu Sooriyabandara joined the Galle Test as a concussion substitution for Chandimal. Mishara and Arachchige’s call-ups give depth to a squad that has been stretched thin due to unavailability.
Why are Mendis, Chandimal, and Nissanka unavailable to Colombo?
Kusal Mendis’ hamstring issue, certified by Kirsten as a legitimate hamstring injury incurred in the Lanka Premier League, has kept him out of the series since the start. Niroshan Dickwella was already picked as his replacement before the Galle Test ended.
Dinesh Chandimal was injured on Day 4 of the Galle Test and is ruled out due to concussion rules, which need a minimum seven-day rest period before a player can return to action.
Pathum Nissanka is also unlikely to appear in Colombo, albeit the particular cause for his absence has not been established in the information provided. Sri Lanka’s top-order batting has been severely hampered as a result.
What do Mishara and Arachchige contribute to the Sri Lanka team?
Kamil Mishara has played ODIs and T20Is for Sri Lanka but is yet to be selected for a Test match. He made an impression during his debut season in the Lanka Premier League 2026, and on the day of his Test team call-up, he scored 145 off 72 balls in the Major Clubs T20 event, highlighting the form that earned him his selection.
Sahan Arachchige joins without a Test cap, but with recent high-level experience. He led Sri Lanka A in the second unofficial Test against India A, where he scored 127 runs to lead his team. India A won that match by ten wickets, but Arachchige’s contribution stood out and looks to have played a significant role in his elevation to the senior side.
Sri Lanka updated its squad for the second Test against India in Colombo.
Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Kamindu Mendis (VC), Niroshan Dickwella, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Nishan Madushka Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Sonal Dinusha, Keshara Nuwantha, Sahan Arachchige, and Kamil Mishara
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