Sri Lanka suffered a 165-run defeat in the first Test at Galle, setting up a crucial second encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27. The hosts face significant selection challenges heading into this fixture, with multiple injury concerns affecting their batting lineup.
Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka’s absence through injury has forced Sri Lanka to reconsider their top-order composition. Dinesh Chandimal has also been ruled out for the second Test, creating further uncertainty in the middle order. These absences will require the selectors to blood new talent or shuffle their existing squad to mount a stronger response.
Here are the predicted XI for the second Test for Sri Lanka vs India:
Top order: Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara
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Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka and Pasindu Sooriyabandara are expected to form the opening combination. Sooriyabandara may replace the injured Chandimal in the batting order, bringing first-class experience to a squad dealing with multiple unavailability issues. The openers will be tasked with providing a solid foundation after the collapse in the first Test.
Middle order: Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella(wK)
Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva, who will captain the side, will anchor the middle order. Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella complete the batting unit, with Dickwella taking the wicketkeeping duties. Both Dinusha and de Silva showed genuine fight during the opening match, demonstrating the resilience Sri Lanka will need to compete in Colombo.
Bowlers: Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando
The bowling attack comprises Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando. This combination will be tasked with restricting India’s batting and creating opportunities in Colombo’s conditions. The bowlers must perform consistently to support the batting unit’s recovery.
Sri Lanka’s predicted XI for the second Test:
Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando.
The match begins on August 23, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
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