Sri Lanka vs India First Test: Squad Announced as Nissanka and Kusal Mendis Ruled Out

Sri Lanka vs India first Test will begin on August 15 in Galle, with the hosts announcing their 16-member squad just three days before the opening match. Sri Lanka will enter the two-match series without two experienced batters, as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have been ruled out of the first Test due to injuries.

Dhananjaya de Silva will captain Sri Lanka, while Kamindu Mendis has been named vice-captain. The hosts will now have to reshape their batting order ahead of the crucial opening Test against Shubman Gill’s India.

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis ruled out

The absence of Nissanka and Kusal Mendis is a significant setback for Sri Lanka. Both players were expected to provide experience and stability to the home batting lineup, but their injuries have forced the selectors to make changes before the series begins.

In Kusal Mendis’ absence, Sri Lanka have recalled experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella. The 33-year-old has earned a national Test call-up for the first time in three years, having last represented Sri Lanka in the format against New Zealand in 2023.

Niroshan Dickwella returns after three years

Dickwella’s return gives Sri Lanka an experienced option in the middle order and behind the stumps. His recall comes at a time when the hosts need senior players to step up against an Indian bowling attack that remains capable of creating pressure in Test conditions.

The squad also includes Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka and Pasindu Sooriyabandara as batting options, while Kamindu Mendis will have an important role to play in the middle order.

Sri Lanka’s spin attack remains a key strength

Sri Lanka have selected Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya as their principal spin options, with Keshara Nuwantha also included in the squad.

Nuwantha impressed in recent matches against India. He featured in Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s warm-up game against India and claimed three wickets despite the hosts losing the contest by six wickets. He had also taken five wickets against India A in Galle last month.

With the first Test being played in Galle, Sri Lanka’s spinners could have an important role as the match progresses and the surface potentially offers increasing assistance to spin bowling.

Five pacers included in Sri Lanka squad

Sri Lanka have also opted for five fast-bowling options. The pace group includes Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka provide the hosts with two left-arm pace options, giving Dhananjaya de Silva flexibility when deciding his combination for the opening Test.

India also dealing with injury problems

India will arrive in Galle with their own injury concerns. Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana have been ruled out, while Washington Sundar is also unavailable for the first Test.

Bumrah’s absence is particularly significant because the premier Indian fast bowler remains one of the team’s most important players across formats. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar are among the pace options available to India.

Devdutt Padikkal strengthens India’s batting options

India began their Sri Lanka tour with a six-wicket victory in the three-day warm-up match. Devdutt Padikkal made a strong case for a place in the Test XI after scoring an unbeaten century in the first innings.

His performance could strengthen India’s options at No. 3, while Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant form the core of the visiting team’s batting group.

India’s WTC qualification hopes add pressure

The Sri Lanka Tests are important for India’s World Test Championship campaign. India need a strong run of results from their remaining matches to keep their hopes of reaching next year’s WTC final alive.

The first Test in Galle therefore carries importance beyond the two-match series. India will want to start with a victory, while Sri Lanka will look to use home conditions and their spin resources to put the visitors under pressure.

Sri Lanka squad for first Test vs India

Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

India squad for first Test vs Sri Lanka

India: Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan.

What to expect from the Galle Test

The opening Test is set up as a contest between India’s batting depth and Sri Lanka’s ability to exploit home conditions. Sri Lanka’s injuries have weakened their batting on paper, but their spin attack could still prove decisive in Galle.

For India, the challenge will be to adapt quickly without several first-choice players. The performances of Gill’s new-look batting group, India’s spinners and the replacement fast bowlers could determine whether the visitors take an early advantage in the series.