Sri Lanka are having to deal with a mountain of challenges ahead of the second Test against India, starting on August 23 in Colombo. There is no room for error for them after suffering a heavy 165-run defeat in the opening match in Galle. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have been dealt a big blow with Kusal Mendis ruled out of the second Test because of a hamstring injury. Experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal will also miss the match after suffering a concussion while fielding during the opening Test. The hosts are already missing Pathum Nissanka, who continues to recover from wrist surgery.
"Kusal Mendis has got a proper hamstring injury. He's not going to be available for a while. Pathum Nissanka as well, and Dinesh is also not available for the next Test," Kirsten stated in his post-match press conference.
"So, we're missing a few guys from that perspective, but it creates a great opportunity for young players to come in and stake their claim.
"In fact, players that have got really good first-class records in this country. So it's a good opportunity for them."
The second Test is also very important for both sides as they are competing in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, making every match an opportunity to bolster their position in the standings. India's victory in Galle gave them a huge boost but Sri Lanka will need to bounce back strongly in order to improve their position in the standings.