Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of their two-Test series against India, with two of their leading batters, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, set to miss the upcoming Tests due to injury.

Nissanka is unlikely to be available for the first Test, beginning on August 15 in Galle, after undergoing surgery on his wrist. The opener has not yet regained full fitness and is understood to experience pain when batting for extended periods.

His rehabilitation also ruled him out of the ongoing Lanka Premier League. Under the new selection committee’s policy, players returning from injury must prove their fitness by appearing in a first-class match. With Nissanka unable to do so, his chances of making the first Test squad have effectively disappeared.

Mendis’ injury is more serious than initially feared. The Colombo Kaps captain was forced to retire hurt after facing only four deliveries during an LPL match against Kandy Royals. Scans have since revealed a Grade 3C hamstring injury, ruling him out of the entire Test series against India.

The selectors must now find replacements for two important roles. Nissanka is an established Test opener, while Mendis provides both middle-order runs and wicketkeeping.

Lahiru Udara has strengthened his position as a Test opener, while Nishan Madushka has been given an opportunity to press his claims after being included in the SLC XI squad for the three-day warm-up against India at the NCC Grounds.

Behind the stumps, Anjala Bandara appears to be a strong candidate to replace Mendis. The CCC wicketkeeper-batter enjoyed an impressive season, scoring 551 runs at an average of 60.28, including a double century, while also completing 20 dismissals.

The selections could signal a shift towards choosing specialist wicketkeeper-batters rather than batters who can also keep wickets.