Thirimanne, Dickwella return as Sri Lanka name squad for India Tests

Kusal Mendis, who had suffered a hamstring injury during the fifth T20I against Australia, is expected to recover in time and has been included in the squad subject to fitness. Mendis has not played in whites since January last year, but his recent form in limited-overs has worked in his favour.

Lahiru Thirimanne returns after missing out in the previous Test series against West Indies as does Niroshan Dickwella, who was serving a ban for bio-bubble breach. Jeffery Vandersay, the 32-year-old legspinner, has got his maiden Test call-up.

Other names missing from the previous squad include Minod Bhanuka, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Gunasekara, Suminda Lakshan, Kamil Mishara, Lakshan Sandakan and Roshen Silva.

The first Test will be played in Mohali from 4 to 8 March, followed by the second Test in Bengaluru from 12 to 16 March. The series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship, where Sri Lanka are placed first while India are placed fifth in the standings.

Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva (vc), Kusal Mendis*, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis – will not take part due to an injury, Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lasith Embuldeniya

* subject to fitness