Sri Lanka name uncapped duo Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige for second Test against India

Sri Lanka have made four changes to their squad for the second Test against India in Colombo, bringing in uncapped duo Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige after their heavy defeat in the opening match in Galle.

The hosts will also be without experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal, who has been ruled out after suffering a neck injury during the first Test. Nishan Madushka, spin-bowling allrounder Ramesh Mendis and left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka have also been left out of the trimmed 14-member squad.

Mishara rewarded for strong run of form

Mishara has earned his first Test call-up after an impressive period across formats. The left-hand batter scored 411 runs in 10 matches during the recent Lanka Premier League, while he produced another outstanding performance for Nondescripts Cricket Club in the Major League T20, smashing 145 from 72 balls.

His strongest recent red-ball performance came for Sri Lanka A against New Zealand A in April, when he scored 174 from 168 deliveries in an innings victory.

Mishara's left-handed batting could also be particularly useful against India's left-arm spin duo of Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja, who caused significant problems for Sri Lanka in the first Test.

He is expected to open alongside Lahiru Udara in the second Test.

Arachchige adds batting and offspin options

Sahan Arachchige is another player rewarded for his recent white-ball form. The batting allrounder scored 240 runs across 10 innings in the LPL and recently struck an unbeaten 61 from 27 balls for NCC in the Major League T20.

Arachchige also provides an offspin option, having taken 63 wickets in 85 first-class matches. He has contributed heavily with the bat in the longer format as well, scoring 4,365 first-class runs at an average of 37.95.

His most recent first-class appearance came against India A in July, when he captained Sri Lanka A and scored an impressive 127 from 207 balls.

Competition for Chandimal's spot

Arachchige's selection puts him in contention to replace Chandimal in the middle order alongside Pasindu Sooriyabandara.

Sooriyabandara made his Test debut in the first match after coming into the XI as a concussion substitute. Although he was dismissed for a first-ball duck, his impressive first-class record remains a strong argument in his favour. Since making his debut in 2018, he has scored 4,893 first-class runs at an average of 53.76.

Sri Lanka are likely to retain much of their batting order from the opening Test, with Mishara the most likely addition at the top and Arachchige competing for a middle-order role.

Bowling combination remains largely unchanged

Keshara Nuwantha impressed on debut in Galle and is expected to retain his place alongside experienced spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.

There could, however, be a change to the pace attack. Lahiru Kumara completed the first Test without an injury but bowled only 18 overs across the match. With fast-bowling allrounder Milan Rathnayaka available, Sri Lanka could opt for the additional batting depth he offers while leaving out Kumara.

Sri Lanka's selection options are also affected by the absence of two established batters. Kusal Mendis remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury during the early stages of the LPL, while Pathum Nissanka is recovering from wrist surgery performed in June.

Sri Lanka squad for second Test

Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain), Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando

With India taking a commanding lead from the first Test, Sri Lanka will be hoping their new faces can provide the spark needed to level the series in Colombo.