# Dhananjaya de Silva defends Dickwella recall for Galle Test 2026-08-14T13:39:30+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva has defended the recall of wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella for the first Test against India starting August 15, saying his glovework is vital on Galle's challenging pitch. Dickwella replaces the injured Kusal Mendis, but critics have questioned why in-form domestic keepers Sadeera Samarawickrama and Anjala Bandara were overlooked. Dhananjaya also backed fast bowler Lahiru Kumara despite his recent hamstring injury, saying no other Sri Lankan bowler can replace him. He hinted at a debut for off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha. India are without Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar; Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the attack. ## Coverage - telanganatoday.com - thehindu.com - m9.news Tags: Dhananjaya de Silva, Galle, Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Kumara, Niroshan Dickwella Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/dhananjaya-de-silva-defends-dickwella-recall-for-india-test/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/dhananjaya-de-silva-defends-dickwella-recall-for-india-test/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.