Kusal Mendis Faces LPL 2026 Setback After Hamstring

Kusal Mendis has been disqualified from the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026. This casts a shadow of uncertainty over his participation in Sri Lanka’s forthcoming Test series against India.

The seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman incurred a hamstring injury while playing for the Colombo Kaps against the Kandy Royals at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Sunday, July 20. Kusal Mendis retired injured after facing only four deliveries, despite the fact that the home team emerged victorious by six wickets.

Kusal Mendis, who was the franchise’s leader this season, will now commence rehabilitation under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket’s medical team.

The injury’s timing will cause Sri Lankan fans to experience a few sleepless evenings. India is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Dhananjaya de Silva and his team next month.

The inaugural Test is scheduled to take place at the Galle International Stadium from August 15 to August 19. The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo will host the second Test from August 23 to August 27.

These two contests are currently in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The top two teams will compete in the final next year, as has been the case for the previous three editions.

Nine matches have been contested by India in the 2025-2027 WTC cycle. They have won four games, lost four, and drawn one. They are currently ranked fifth in the standings and possess 48.15 percentage points.

In the interim, Sri Lanka occupies the sixth position in the rankings, having participated in four Tests, winning one, losing one, and drawing two.

Kusal Mendis has participated in 75 Tests for Sri Lanka, accumulating 4,836 runs at an average of 36.36. The highest total he has achieved is 245, and he has registered 23 fifties and 10 centuries. He would be anticipating a full recovery in time for the high-profile series against India.