Reports: Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka likely to miss 2nd Test vs India

Sri Lanka suffered a heavy defeat by an innings and 222 runs against India in Mohali. They will be hoping to put up a better show in the second and final Test of the series which is set to be played with the pink ball under the lights in Bengaluru. However, ahead of the Test match, the team has been dealt with a blow as batter Pathum Nissanka is reportedly injured and might miss the game.

Nissanka was one of the very few shining lights for Sri Lanka in Mohali scoring a valiant half-century in the first innings. He hit 61 runs off 133 deliveries and was left stranded with the entire team getting bowled out for 174 runs in 65 overs. With Nissanka occupying a crucial number three slot, it remains to be seen who replaces him in the line-up if he misses out.

A Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official confirmed the development stating that the 23-year-old has aggravated his old back injury and his situation is being monitored at the moment. “Pathum has some back pain from one of his previous injuries, we will monitor his situation but he is unlikely to play,” the official said while speaking to CricWire.

Who will replace Nissanka if he is ruled out?

In case, Pathum Nissanka is ruled out, Sri Lanka have two only batters in the squad to fill his spot – Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis. Both the batters have not been in great form in the longest format and will have to bat out of their skins to make an impact. While Chandimal has not scored a half-century in last nine innings, Mendis hasn’t played a Test match since January 2021.

With the second Test against India being a day-night affair, Sri Lanka might consider including Chandimal given his experience. Toss will also play a crucial role and the visitors would love to bat first which is the only way they will get a chance to put pressure on India.