IND vs SL 2nd Test: Sri Lanka Announce Squad, Chandimal Out

Sri Lanka have announced their updated squad for the second and final Test against India, with the hosts making important changes ahead of the series finale. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23, and Sri Lanka will enter the contest without experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal, who has been ruled out after suffering a concussion during the opening match.

In Chandimal’s absence, Sri Lanka have added Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige to their 14-member squad. Both players have experience in international white-ball cricket but are yet to make their Test debuts, making their inclusion one of the most interesting talking points ahead of the second Test.

For India, the match carries significance beyond the immediate two-Test series. The visitors are looking to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, while Sri Lanka will be desperate to respond strongly after the opening encounter.

Why Dinesh Chandimal will miss the second Test

Dinesh Chandimal’s absence is the biggest change to Sri Lanka’s squad. The experienced batter suffered a concussion while fielding during the first Test and has now been ruled out of the series finale.

Chandimal’s experience has made him an important member of Sri Lanka’s Test setup over the years. Losing a senior batter before a crucial second Test means the hosts must find a way to compensate for both his batting experience and his understanding of long-format cricket.

The injury also creates an opportunity for a younger player to step into a high-pressure international environment. With the second Test carrying importance for both sides, Sri Lanka’s selection decision could have a significant influence on the balance of their playing XI.

Kamil Mishara receives a Test squad call-up

Kamil Mishara has been added to Sri Lanka’s squad following Chandimal’s absence. The batter has already represented Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket, but he is yet to make his Test debut.

His inclusion gives Sri Lanka another batting option at a time when the team needs greater depth. However, moving from limited-overs cricket to Test cricket is a significant adjustment because batters must deal with longer spells, changing conditions and greater pressure on technique and concentration.

If selected in the playing XI, Mishara would have the opportunity to make his Test debut against an Indian side that will be determined to finish the series strongly.

Sahan Arachchige also added to the squad

All-rounder Sahan Arachchige has also earned a place in Sri Lanka’s 14-member group. Like Mishara, Arachchige has already played international white-ball cricket but is yet to feature in a Test match.

His all-round abilities could provide Sri Lanka with an additional tactical option. A player capable of contributing in more than one department can be particularly valuable in Test cricket because team balance becomes increasingly important over five days.

Whether Sri Lanka decide to hand him a debut immediately will depend on the pitch conditions, the balance of the team and the roles required from the players already involved in the series.

Two potential Test debutants add intrigue to Sri Lanka’s selection

The inclusion of Mishara and Arachchige makes Sri Lanka’s selection strategy particularly interesting. Neither player has made a Test appearance, meaning the hosts could potentially introduce one or both into the XI for a decisive Test.

Giving a debut to a player in a high-pressure match can be a risk, but it can also provide a team with fresh energy. Young players often bring a different approach, while established players may already have accumulated fatigue from the opening Test.

The key question for Sri Lanka will be whether they prefer experience or fresh options when finalising their XI.

India have a major opportunity in the second Test

While Sri Lanka’s squad changes have attracted attention, India will enter the second Test with a clear objective: finish the series with another victory.

The two-match series is important for India’s World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. Winning both Tests would give India valuable points and strengthen their position in the race for the WTC final.

That makes the second Test more than simply the final match of a short bilateral series. Every result matters in the WTC standings because teams must accumulate enough points across a demanding championship cycle.

Why a 2-0 series win could matter for India

A clean sweep would provide India with both points and momentum. The team’s upcoming Test schedule is demanding, with an away series against New Zealand followed by a home series against Australia.

Success in Sri Lanka would therefore give India an important platform before those challenging assignments. Winning away from home also provides valuable evidence of a team’s ability to adapt to different conditions, particularly when the opposition has the advantage of local knowledge.

The second Test could consequently be viewed as part of a larger WTC campaign rather than an isolated contest.

Sri Lanka need a strong response

For Sri Lanka, the second Test represents an opportunity to change the direction of the series. The hosts will have to deal with the absence of Chandimal while finding the right combination to challenge India’s batting and bowling units.

The advantage for Sri Lanka is familiarity with their home conditions. Understanding how the surface behaves, how quickly it deteriorates and when spin becomes more influential can be crucial in Test cricket.

Selection will therefore be particularly important. If the hosts bring in an additional all-rounder or a debutant, the move could alter the team’s balance and influence how they approach the match.

Experience versus fresh energy: Sri Lanka’s key selection dilemma

Sri Lanka’s updated squad presents an interesting comparison between established players and newcomers. Experienced cricketers offer familiarity with Test pressure, while potential debutants can provide an element of unpredictability.

This balance could become one of the most important factors in Sri Lanka’s team selection. A Test match can expose inexperienced players to situations that cannot always be replicated in white-ball cricket.

Full Sri Lanka squad for the second Test

Sri Lanka’s updated 14-member squad for the second Test against India consists of the following players:

• Lahiru Udara
• Kamil Mishara
• Pasindu Sooriyabandara
• Kamindu Mendis
• Dhananjaya de Silva
• Sahan Arachchige
• Sonal Dinusha
• Niroshan Dickwella
• Keshara Nuwantha
• Prabath Jayasuriya
• Milan Rathnayake
• Lahiru Kumara
• Asitha Fernando
• Vishwa Fernando

Who could replace Chandimal?

With Chandimal unavailable, Sri Lanka’s batting combination will be closely watched. Kamil Mishara is the most obvious new batting option in the updated squad, although the final decision will depend on the team’s tactical requirements.

The hosts could also make adjustments elsewhere in the order to compensate for the loss of experience. The challenge is to maintain stability while introducing the right amount of flexibility.

For India, this uncertainty can also influence their preparation. A different Sri Lankan batting order could mean different bowling plans, particularly during the crucial middle sessions when partnerships can determine the direction of a Test match.

Why the second Test could be decided by team balance

Test cricket is rarely decided by one player alone. Bowling depth, batting resilience, catching standards and the ability to manage long periods of pressure all contribute to the final result.

For Sri Lanka, the absence of Chandimal makes balance even more important. If the hosts choose two new players, they will need enough experience around them to absorb pressure when the match becomes difficult.

India, meanwhile, can be expected to rely on the depth and experience of their squad. The visitors will also know that a strong start could place additional pressure on Sri Lanka’s newly adjusted combination.

The battle to watch: India’s consistency against Sri Lanka’s adaptability

The most intriguing aspect of the second Test could be the contrast in approaches. India will be looking for consistency and another strong result, while Sri Lanka must adapt after losing an experienced player.

If Sri Lanka can turn Chandimal’s absence into an opportunity for a younger player to make an immediate impact, the hosts could make the contest considerably more competitive. If the newcomers struggle, India’s experienced unit could take advantage quickly.

WTC 2025-27 adds another layer to the contest

The World Test Championship context gives the match additional importance. Unlike a standalone bilateral Test, WTC matches contribute directly to a team’s campaign for a place in the final.

India’s larger objective is therefore to collect as many valuable results as possible before facing more difficult assignments later in the cycle. A series sweep in Sri Lanka would strengthen that campaign and reduce the pressure on future matches.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will want to avoid allowing India to leave with maximum points. The hosts have an opportunity to use their home conditions and force India into a tougher contest in the final match.

What to expect from the second Test

The second Test is likely to be shaped by three major factors: Sri Lanka’s replacement for Chandimal, the possible Test debuts of Mishara or Arachchige, and India’s ability to maintain pressure across five days.

The selection of the final XI will reveal how aggressively Sri Lanka want to respond. A conservative approach would favour experience, while a more adventurous selection could introduce fresh players and additional flexibility.

For India, the objective is much simpler. Another victory would complete a series sweep and provide valuable momentum for the demanding matches ahead in the WTC cycle.

Conclusion: Sri Lanka face selection test before India clash

Sri Lanka’s updated squad for the second Test against India has created fresh intrigue after Dinesh Chandimal was ruled out with concussion. Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been added to the 14-member squad, with both players yet to make their Test debuts.

The changes leave Sri Lanka with important selection decisions to make before the August 23 Test. The hosts must find the right combination while dealing with the absence of an experienced batter.

India, meanwhile, have a major incentive to maintain their momentum. A 2-0 series victory would provide valuable progress in the World Test Championship 2025-27 race and give the team confidence before tougher Test assignments later in the year.

With Sri Lanka fighting to level the series and India chasing a clean sweep, the second Test promises to be a crucial examination of both teams’ adaptability, depth and ability to handle pressure.