Sri Lanka has suffered a big setback before the second Test match against India in Colombo. The team's star batsmen Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal will not be able to play in this match. At the same time, the situation regarding Pathum Nissanka's playing is also not clear and the final decision will be taken only after his fitness test.
Sports News: Sri Lanka's problems have increased before the second Test against India to be held in Colombo. The team's key batsmen Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal will not be available in the second test, while the situation regarding Pathum Nissanka's playing is also not clear. This is being considered a big blow for the Sri Lankan team after losing the first test in Galle by 165 runs.
The first match of the Test series between India and Sri Lanka was played in Galle, where the Indian team performed brilliantly and defeated the host team by a huge margin. Now in the Colombo Test, Sri Lanka will have to make a strong comeback to level the series, but before that the injuries to its key players have increased the team's problems.
Kusal Mendis out with hamstring injury
Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten has confirmed that Kusal Mendis will not be a part of the second Test. It is reported that Mendis suffered a serious hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League and will need some time to return to the field. Talking about the team's situation after the Galle Test, Kirsten said that Mendis's injury is serious and he will not be available for the team for some time.
This is a big loss for Sri Lanka, because Mendis is one of the experienced batsmen of the team and strengthens the middle order. With his absence, the Sri Lankan batting line-up may face an additional challenge against India's strong bowling attack in Colombo.
Dinesh Chandimal will also not play
Another experienced Sri Lankan batsman Dinesh Chandimal will also be out of the second Test. He suffered injuries to his neck and shoulder while fielding during the Galle Test. After Chandimal's injury, he had to leave the field during the match. Pasindu Suriyabandara was included in his place as a concussion substitute.
However, he did not get much chance to bat and he was out on his very first ball without opening the account. Due to the absence of Chandimal, Sri Lanka's batting may lack experience.
Suspense even on Pathum Nissanka's play
Sri Lanka's problems do not end here. The availability of the team's key batsman Pathum Nissanka is also doubtful. He is recovering after wrist surgery and his fitness is being assessed. If Nissanka also remains out of the second Test, then Sri Lanka may have to make a major change in its batting combination in the match against India. The team has already lost two experienced players and Nissanka's absence will further increase its problems.
Niroshan Dickwella got a chance
Niroshan Dickwella has been included in the Test team in place of Kusal Mendis. Dickwella took good advantage of the opportunity he got in the Galle Test and played an important inning of 80 runs in the first innings. His performance was a positive sign for Sri Lanka. The team management will hope that Dickwella will handle the responsibility in the same manner in Colombo and contribute in making a big score against India. However, Sri Lanka will need a collective contribution from the entire team rather than relying on the performance of just one or two players.
Gary Kirsten said – there is scope for improvement in the team
Head coach Gary Kirsten admitted that the Sri Lankan team has talented players, but a lot of work still needs to be done to achieve consistency in Test cricket. Kirsten said that she is excited to join Sri Lankan cricket and there are many good players in the team. According to him, due to not playing Test cricket for a long time, it can sometimes be difficult for players to adapt to the demands of this format.
He also said that this is the team's third Test match in a few months and he is seeing improvement in the performance of the players. The coach's goal is to create a balanced and competitive team.