Sri Lanka Unveils 16-Member Squad for India Test Series Opener; Dickwella Returns, Mendis Injured
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis (AP/PTI)
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced a 16-member squad for the crucial opening Test of their two-match series against India. The squad sees the notable return of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, while a significant blow comes with the absence of star batter Kusal Mendis due to injury.
All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the Lankan Lions, taking the reins as captain for this high-stakes encounter. He will be ably supported by Kamindu Mendis, who has been named his deputy. Dickwella’s inclusion comes as a direct response to Kusal Mendis being ruled out of the first Test, providing crucial experience behind the stumps.
Another prominent omission from the squad for the opening match is batter Pathum Nissanka, whose absence will require other top-order batsmen to step up. The batting contingent features a blend of established and emerging talents, including Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha, who will be keen to make their mark against a formidable Indian attack.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack appears well-rounded, particularly in the spin department, which is expected to play a vital role on home pitches. The hosts boast three specialist spinners: Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Keshara Nuwantha. The pace battery comprises Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka, offering a mix of pace and swing options.
Key Fixture and World Test Championship Implications
The inaugural Test match is scheduled to be held at the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium, running from August 15 to 19. This series holds considerable importance as it forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with valuable points up for grabs.
ICC World Test Championship Standings:
India, led by Shubman Gill, currently occupies the fifth position in the World Test Championship standings. They have recorded four victories and four defeats in their nine matches played so far, accumulating a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.
Sri Lanka finds themselves in sixth place, having secured one win, one draw, and two defeats in their campaign.
With the advantage of familiar home conditions, Sri Lanka will be relying heavily on the experience of players like Dinesh Chandimal and the returning Niroshan Dickwella to anchor their performance and challenge the Indian Test side. The series promises to be a gripping contest as both teams vie for crucial points in their quest for World Test Championship glory.
Sri Lanka Squad for 1st Test:
- Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
- Lahiru Udara
- Nishan Madushka
- Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain)
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Sonal Dinusha
- Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper)
- Ramesh Mendis
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Keshara Nuwantha
- Milan Rathnayake
- Asitha Fernando
- Lahiru Kumara
- Vishwa Fernando
- Dilshan Madushanka
