Reportedly, there are questions over Dimuth Karunaratne’s readiness for the first Test against Pakistan in Galle.

Prior to the first Test match against Pakistan in Galle, Sri Lanka was in a precarious situation. Due to a hamstring injury, their captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, may not be present. Dimuth Karunaratne will go through a fitness evaluation in the next 48 hours in Colombo, and if he is found to be unfit, he won’t proceed to Galle for the first test, which begins on Sunday, July 16.

In the event that Karunaratne fails the fitness test, vice captain Dhananjaya de Silva will take over as captain. The selection committee eagerly anticipates the captain’s fitness reports as they near finalizing the squad before selecting a choice.

Dhananjaya de Silva, a 31-year-old all-rounder and current vice captain, will serve as the team’s captain in Dimuth Karunaratne’s absence. The aforementioned details were provided to the Sri Lanka Daily Mirror on Thursday morning by a reliable SLC source, according to Cricket Pakistan.

The uncertainty surrounding Karunaratne’s availability would have an impact on Sri Lanka’s preparations. He has been playing consistently and exhibiting strong leadership qualities as the team’s captain and leader. Other players will have the chance to step up and help the team if Karunaratne fails the fitness test.

Additionally, bowler Lahiru Kumara, who is dealing with a side-strain issue, might not be available for Sri Lanka. The selectors will face a difficult scenario as they attempt to put together a well-balanced lineup to compete against a powerful Pakistani side without these two crucial players.

The approaching days are of utmost significance for both Karunaratne and the selectors, who are tasked with making difficult choices to assure the team’s victory in future games. “They just picked a team for the first test. The team for the second test, which will take place in Colombo (July 24-28), will be decided on the third day of the first test, the source continued.

The team that will play against Pakistan is expected to be announced soon, and Sri Lankan cricket fans are eagerly awaiting additional details on the captain’s fitness.