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Kusal Mendis remains a major talking point in Sri Lankan cricket as the national team continues its white-ball campaign in England. The wicketkeeper-batter was named Sri Lanka’s captain for both the ODI and T20I squads for the England tour, but an injury forced him to miss the T20I series. His availability for the ODI matches has therefore attracted considerable attention from cricket fans.
Kusal Mendis Latest News Today: Top Headlines
- Kusal Mendis was named Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain for the England tour.
- He missed the T20I series because of a right hamstring injury.
- Sri Lanka Cricket said Mendis was undergoing rehabilitation after the injury.
- Pavan Rathnayake replaced him in the T20I squad.
- Charith Asalanka led Sri Lanka during the T20I series in Mendis’ absence.
- Sri Lanka lost the three-match T20I series against England 3-0.
- Mendis returned to the spotlight during the first ODI against England on September 22.
- He was batting during Sri Lanka’s chase after England posted 265.
Kusal Mendis Injury Update
Kusal Mendis suffered a right hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League 2026, according to Sri Lanka Cricket and the International Cricket Council. The injury prevented him from participating in the three-match T20I series against England.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that Mendis was still undergoing rehabilitation when the T20I squad was announced. Pavan Rathnayake was brought into the squad as his replacement, while Charith Asalanka took over the captaincy for the T20I matches.
The situation was significant because Mendis had originally been selected as captain for both the T20I and ODI portions of the England tour.
Kusal Mendis Returns for England ODI Series
The current England-Sri Lanka tour includes three ODIs after the completed T20I series. The first ODI is being played at Chester-le-Street on September 22, followed by matches at Leeds on September 24 and The Oval on September 27.
In the first ODI, England were dismissed for 265 runs on a challenging pitch. During Sri Lanka’s reply, Mendis was at the crease as Sri Lanka reached 79 for 2 after 19 overs, with Mendis batting on 27.
His presence in the middle order gives Sri Lanka an experienced batting option during an important part of the England tour.
England vs Sri Lanka: Current Series Situation
England entered the ODI series after completing a 3-0 T20I sweep against Sri Lanka. England won the third T20I by eight wickets in Manchester, chasing Sri Lanka’s 124 with 62 balls remaining. Harry Brook was named Player of the Series after an impressive run of performances.
For Sri Lanka, the ODI series provides an opportunity to respond after the difficult T20I campaign. Mendis’ return adds experience to the side as Sri Lanka looks to compete in the longer white-ball format.
Kusal Mendis as Sri Lanka Captain
Mendis has become an important figure in Sri Lanka’s white-ball setup. His appointment as captain for both formats reflected the selectors’ decision to place responsibility on an experienced international batter and wicketkeeper.
His leadership role also means his fitness is closely followed by supporters, particularly during a busy international schedule.
The injury-related absence from the T20Is gave Charith Asalanka an opportunity to lead the side. With Mendis involved in the ODI campaign, Sri Lanka can again utilize his batting and wicketkeeping experience.
Kusal Mendis and India Cricket Interest
Although the latest Kusal Mendis developments are centered on Sri Lanka’s England tour, his name is also relevant to Indian cricket fans because Sri Lanka and India remain frequent opponents in international cricket.
India and Sri Lanka have a long history of matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Mendis has been one of Sri Lanka’s recognizable modern batting figures, making his fitness and performances relevant whenever the two teams meet.
Current India cricket coverage is also focused on the 2026 Asian Games and India’s international schedule, while Sri Lanka continues its England tour.
What to Watch Next
The immediate focus is Mendis’ performance in the England ODI series. His batting form, fitness and role as Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain will remain important talking points.
The second ODI is scheduled for September 24 at Leeds, with the third ODI scheduled for September 27 at The Oval.
