LPL: Kamindu Mendis appointed Colombo Kaps captain following Kusal Mendis' injury
Dambulla, July 23
The Lanka Premier League confirmed that Colombo KAPS will be led by Kamindu Mendis for the remainder of the 2026 season after regular captain Kusal Mendis was ruled out due to injury.
Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 LPL after sustaining a right hamstring injury during Colombo KAPS' league-stage fixture against Kandy Royals, according to a press release.
The Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter suffered the injury early in the run chase and, despite attempting to continue, was forced to retire hurt two overs into the chase after medical assessment on the field. Subsequent examinations have confirmed that he will play no further part in this year's tournament.
"Mendis sustained a right hamstring injury while attempting a run during the Colombo Kaps' match against the Kandy Royals on 19 July at the SSC, Colombo," an SLC media release said.
"Accordingly, he will return to the National High Performance Centre to commence his rehabilitation program."
The injury comes as a major setback for both Kaps, whom Mendis was leading, and the Sri Lanka national team, who are set to host India in a two-Test series beginning on August 15.
Following Kusal's withdrawal from the tournament, the LPL Player Management Committee has confirmed the appointment of batting all-rounder Kamindu Mendis as captain of the Colombo Kaps for the remainder of the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
LPL extends its best wishes to Kusal for a speedy and complete recovery and looks forward to seeing him return to competitive cricket at the earliest opportunity.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Mendis, who has been in outstanding form. Before being sidelined, he smashed a 53-ball 79 in Kaps' opening fixture against Galle Gallants.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Tough break for Colombo Kaps. Kusal Mendis was their talisman, and that 79 in the opening game was vintage stuff. Kamindu is a solid replacement though - he bowls some handy left-arm spin too which adds balance. With the LPL being so competitive this season, this could actually work out well if Kamindu leads from the front with both bat and ball.
Honestly, injuries are becoming too common these days. Our subcontinent players need better fitness management. But I'm glad Kamindu is getting a chance - he impressed me during the Test series against Bangladesh last year. His ability to bowl with both arms (right and left) is something unique. Just hope the Sri Lankan board doesn't rush Kusal back for the India series. Let him take time, cricket is bigger than one tournament!
As someone who watches a fair bit of Lankan cricket, this is a double blow. Kusal has been in sublime touch this year, both in international and franchise cricket. Kamindu is a gutsy player but he's not the same explosive batsman. With India coming for Tests on spin-friendly tracks, Sri Lanka needed Kusal's experience against Ashwin and Jadeja. Feel for the guy - hamstring injuries can be tricky.
Just typical - our subcontinent cricketers always get injured at the worst possible times. First, Kusal plays a blinder against Galle, then gets injured running between wickets. Kamindu is a decent choice for captain, but I think they should've given it to someone with more T20 experience like Babar Azam or even kept faith in an experienced local. Still, chalo kya karen, hope Kamindu proves me wrong! 🇮🇳🇱🇰
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.