Kamindu Mendis became the Colombo Kaps’ captain after Kusal Mendis was sidelined for the rest of the Lanka Premier League 2026 season with a right hamstring injury. Kusal was hurt on Sunday, July 19, while playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo against the Kandy Royals. He had to quit the game during the chase following a medical evaluation.
Both the Colombo Kaps and the Sri Lankan national team suffered a severe setback as a result of the injury. Kusal had scored a 53-ball 79 against Galle Gallants in his first LPL game prior to the defeat. Under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket, the wicketkeeper-batter is currently beginning his recuperation at the National High Performance Center after medical tests determined he is unable to participate in any more league matches.
Kamindu, a 27-year-old batting all-rounder, now assumes leadership duties as the team navigates the pivotal league stages ahead. “[Kusal] Mendis sustained a right hamstring injury while attempting a run during the Colombo Kaps’ match against the Kandy Royals on July 19 at the SSC, Colombo.” He will thus return to the National High Performance Center to start his rehabilitation program, according to an SLC press release.
Because of the date, Kamindu is in a difficult situation.
Timing-wise, the appointment complicates Sri Lanka’s preparations. Kusal gets hurt less than a month before the nation’s home Test series against India starts on August 15. Galle International Cricket Stadium will host the series’ opening Test from August 15–19.
The second Test is scheduled for August 23–27 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Mendis, a vital player in all formats, would have been anticipated to keep wickets in the series against India despite the lack of knowledge on the timeline of his rehabilitation.
How will the Colombo Kaps’ chances of winning a tournament be affected by the new captain?
On Thursday, July 23, the Kaps will take on the Kandy Royals at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The tournament’s final will be held at R on August 8, 2026. Premadasa Stadium, giving the new skipper little opportunity to establish a rhythm in his new leadership position while still carrying out his batting responsibilities.
Kusal’s performance prior to the injury highlighted what the Kaps have lost. He had earlier in the season scored 550 runs with a strike rate of 168.19 in 11 PSL innings, in addition to his outstanding LPL performance.
The club now needs to rely on Kamindu’s leadership in addition to squad depth to mount a strong push through the league phase and into the playoffs, which are scheduled to begin on August 5.
