Sri Lanka's Mendis, Chandimal out of second test against India, says coach Kirsten

Sri Lanka's first Test against India in Galle ended with the hosts losing by 165 runs. This loss comes after Dinesh Chandimal suffered a concussion while fielding, making him unavailable for the upcoming second Test. Coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis, another key batter, is also out of the second Test due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the Lanka Premier League.

Under ICC rules, players substituted due to a concussion are automatically ruled out for seven days. Mendis injured his hamstring last month while playing in the Lanka Premier League. Sri Lanka's coach Kirsten expressed optimism about the situation, stating that the absence of Mendis and Chandimal presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth.

However, the team's batting lineup is further compromised by the absence of Pathum Nissanka, who underwent wrist surgery in June.