Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026. This puts his participation in Sri Lanka’s upcoming Test series against India in a cloud of uncertainty.
The experienced wicketkeeper-batter sustained a hamstring injury while playing for the Colombo Kaps on Sunday, July 20, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo against the Kandy Royals. The home side won the match by six wickets but Mendis had retired hurt after facing just four balls.
The 31-year-old, who was leading the franchise this season, will now begin rehabilitation under Sri Lanka Cricket’s medical team.
“Mendis sustained a right hamstring injury while attempting a run during the Colombo Kaps’ match against the Kandy Royals on 19 July at the SSC, Colombo. Accordingly, he will return to the National High Performance Centre to commence his rehabilitation program,” an SLC media release said.
The timing of the injury will give a few sleepless nights to Sri Lankan fans. Dhananjaya de Silva and Co. are set to face India in a two-match Test series next month. The first Test is scheduled to be played from August 15 to August 19 at the Galle International Stadium. The second Test is set to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to August 27. These two games are part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The final will be held next year between the top two teams, much like the last three editions.
India have played nine matches so far in the 2025-2027 WTC cycle. They have won four games, lost four, and drawn one. They have 48.15 percentage points and are stationed at No. 5 in the standings. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka find themselves at No. 6, having played four Tests, winning one, losing one, and drawing two.
Mendis has played 75 Tests for Sri Lanka, scoring 4,836 runs at an average of 36.36. He has registered 23 fifties and 10 centuries and has a highest score of 245. He would be hoping to recover in time for the high-profile series against India.
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