Sri Lanka name 17-man squad for second Test against India; four pacers selected

Sri Lanka have named a 17-player squad for the second Test against India, announcing the XI for the match scheduled on August 23, 2026, after India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle.

India’s win in Galle left them one victory away from a 2-0 series sweep, propelled by Manav Suthar’s 10-wicket haul and notable batting contributions from Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant; India enter the Colombo Test as favourites while Sri Lanka seek to level the series. Sri Lanka’s preparations have been disrupted by injuries and forced changes to the group selected for the SSC ground fixture.

The hosts will be without several established players: Kusal Mendis has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, Dinesh Chandimal remains unavailable after suffering a concussion during the first Test, and Pathum Nissanka continues his recovery from wrist surgery. Those absences prompted selectors to explore alternative options for the batting lineup.

Two youngsters have been added to bolster the batting ranks: Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige. Arachchige earned his call-up after scoring 127 for Sri Lanka A against India A in the second unofficial Test, while Kamil Mishara recently scored 145 runs off 72 balls in the Major Clubs T20 tournament.

Sri Lanka’s announced squad includes four specialist pacers: Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka. The selectors noted the quartet will provide the hosts with different options in the bowling department; Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando bring experience, Lahiru Kumara offers extra pace, and Dilshan Madushanka supplies another left-arm option.

The full 17-player group named reads: Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Keshara Nuwantha, Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige.

The second Test will begin on August 23, 2026, at the SSC ground in Colombo.