A big blow for the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, and relief for the India National Cricket Team, as Kusal Mendis is likely to miss the first Test of the upcoming two-match Test series against India, starting on August 15 in Galle.
As per the latest reports from Sri Lankan media on August 6, the experienced batter has an injury issue, from which he is yet to recover. As his recovery phase is yet to be concluded, there is a fair chance for him to miss the crucial first game against the Indian cricket team.
Kusal Mendis is likely to miss the India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match in Galle
Danushka Aravinda, a Sri Lankan sports journalist, informed through a 'X' post that Kusal Mendis injured himself during a match in the 2026 edition of the Lankan Premier League (LPL 2026). He is still recovering from the injury. Therefore, because of the injury, he could miss the first match.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is yet to take a final call on the future of its star cricketer.
BREAKING 🚨
— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) August 6, 2026
🇱🇰🏏 Kusal Mendis is more likely to miss the first Test in Galle as he continues his recovery from injury.#sportspavilionlk #danushkaaravinda #BreakingNews #SLvsIND #SLvIND #fypシ゚viralシfypシ゚ #KusalMendis pic.twitter.com/4oNZqgshco
When did Kusal Mendis injure himself?
On July 22, 2026, it was reported that Kusal Mendis was ruled out for the remainder of the Lanka Premier League season because of a hamstring injury. The keeper-batter picked up the injury during Colombo Kaps' six-wicket win over Kandy Royals.
Following the incident, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued an official statement about the seriousness of the injury.
"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," the previously published SLC Media report reads.
As per the latest updates, Mendi remains at the National High Performance Centre for the rehabilitation program, and his return is uncertain ahead of the Test series against India.
It will be a major blow for the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team if he remains unavailable for the series against the Shubman Gill-led team.
