Sri Lanka ring in changes for second Test against India

Sri Lanka have made changes to their squad for the second Test against India in Colombo, bringing in Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige after suffering a heavy defeat in the series opener.

Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out following the concussion and neck injury he sustained during the first Test, while Nishan Madushka, Ramesh Mendis and Dilshan Madushanka have been left out of the trimmed 14-member squad.

Mishara earns his call-up on the back of an impressive run of form. The left-handed batter scored 411 runs in ten matches during the recent Lanka Premier League and also struck 145 off 72 balls for Nondescripts Cricket Club in the Major League T20. He had earlier impressed in red-ball cricket as well, scoring 174 against New Zealand A in April.

He is expected to compete for an opening role alongside Lahiru Udara, with his ability as a left-hander potentially adding balance to Sri Lanka's batting against India's spin attack.

Arachchige, meanwhile, strengthens Sri Lanka's middle-order options as they look to fill the void left by Chandimal. The batting allrounder scored 240 runs in the recent LPL and also brings valuable first-class experience, with 4,365 runs and 63 wickets from 85 matches.

He could compete with Pasindu Sooriyabandara for Chandimal's place in the XI. Sooriyabandara made his Test debut as a concussion substitute in the first Test but was dismissed for a first-ball duck.

Sri Lanka are otherwise expected to retain a similar combination, with debutant spinner Keshara Nuwantha likely to continue alongside Prabath Jayasuriya. Lahiru Kumara remains in contention after coming through the first Test without injury, although Sri Lanka could consider Milan Rathnayaka if they want additional batting depth.

The hosts continue to be without key batters Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who are recovering from hamstring and wrist injuries respectively.

Sri Lanka squad for the second Test:
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain), Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.