Sri Lanka name 15-man squad for Pakistan Tests: Kusal Mendis captains, Pathum Nissanka a doubt

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a 15-member squad on Tuesday, October 13, for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan. Young wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara has received his maiden Test call-up for the series. The matches will be played from November 9 to 21, 2026, as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 cycle.

Kusal Mendis will captain the Sri Lankan side for the challenging tour of Pakistan. The first Test will begin on November 9 in Rawalpindi, while the second match will be played in Lahore. Sri Lanka will look to perform well against Pakistan and earn valuable points in the World Test Championship standings.

Experienced batter Pathum Nissanka has been included in the squad, but his availability remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. He missed Sri Lanka's August tour against India while recovering from the injury. The team will hope he regains full fitness before the first Test, as his presence could strengthen the batting line-up.

Kusal Mendis gets the captaincy as Sri Lanka back a 15-member group for the Pakistan Tests

Kusal Mendis has been named captain of Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. He takes over the role following Dhananjaya de Silva’s resignation. Sri Lanka Cricket announced the squad on October 13, with Dilshan Madushanka returning to the Test team and Eshan Malinga also earning a call-up. However, Lahiru Udara and Niroshan Dickwella have been left out of the squad.

Young wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara is one of the biggest talking points of the squad announcement. The 22-year-old has received his maiden Test call-up after impressive performances in domestic cricket and for the Sri Lanka Emerging team. He has scored more than 2,200 first-class runs, including seven centuries, and has a highest score of 200 not out. Sri Lanka will hope he can make a strong impression at the international level.

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Sri Lanka will aim to improve their position in the ICC World Test Championship standings during the Pakistan series. They are currently seventh with one win, two losses and three draws, while Pakistan are at the bottom after struggling in the current cycle. Sri Lanka recently lost 1-0 to India at home, while Pakistan suffered a 3-0 defeat against England. The upcoming two-Test series will be important for both teams as they look to improve their results.

Pathum Nissanka’s fitness casts doubt over the top order and the opening slot

Pathum Nissanka’s fitness has become a concern for Sri Lanka ahead of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. The batter is recovering from a hamstring injury that he aggravated during Sri Lanka’s limited-overs tour of England last month. His availability remains uncertain, and he will travel with the team only if he is declared medically fit.

Nissanka has already missed the three-match T20I series against Pakistan because of the injury. He is continuing his recovery and working to regain full fitness before the Test series. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed his situation in an official statement, saying, “Pathum Nissanka will only travel with the team if he is declared medically fit.”

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Nissanka’s possible absence could affect Sri Lanka’s plans at the top of the batting order. The squad includes Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva, who will be important to the team’s batting plans. All-rounder Sonal Dinusha also provides another option. Sri Lanka will hope Nissanka recovers in time, as his presence could strengthen the opening combination against Pakistan.

Full squad list, key selection calls and what to expect from the series

Sri Lanka will have an important opportunity to test their strength against Pakistan in the upcoming two-match Test series. Playing away from home will bring different challenges, and the team will rely on its experienced players to provide stability. Under captain Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka will aim to make a strong start and secure valuable results in the ICC World Test Championship.

The pace attack includes Milan Rathnayaka, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando. Madushanka has returned to the Test squad after three years, while Malinga has received his maiden Test call-up. The 22-year-old pacer has taken 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15. However, openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, along with all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, have been left out of the squad.

Sri Lanka squad for the Pakistan Test series: Pathum Nissanka*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (C), Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.

Note: Pathum Nissanka’s participation is subject to medical clearance.