Sri Lanka has unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, marking a significant shift in leadership and team composition. Charith Asalanka has been appointed as the new captain, succeeding Wanindu Hasaranga, who recently stepped down following the T20 World Cup.
Charith Asalanka Sparks Major Team Overhaul for Sri Lanka
The squad reflects substantial changes, with veterans Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva being left out, while experienced players Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Janith Perera have been recalled. This shake-up comes after Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the World Cup.
Rising Stars and Fresh Faces
The revamped team includes promising talent such as uncapped 21-year-old Chamindu Wickramasinghe, alongside Binura Fernando and Avishka Fernando, who have earned their spots based on recent performances. Conversely, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dilshan Madhushanka have been omitted from the squad.
Key Performances in the Lankan Premier League
Charith Asalanka’s leadership credentials were cemented by leading Jaffna Kings to victory in the recent Lankan Premier League (LPL), with Avishka Fernando emerging as the top Sri Lankan run-scorer. Kusal Perera also impressed, accumulating 296 runs at a striking rate of 169. Binura Fernando’s return to the national side is notable after he claimed 13 wickets in eight LPL matches.
The Road Ahead: Facing India
This T20I series against India, the reigning world champions, will be Sri Lanka’s first since their early exit from the World Cup held in the USA and West Indies. The three-match series will be contested over four days, starting on July 27, with all matches taking place in Pallekele.
Full Squad Announcement
Sri Lanka’s squad for the series is as follows:
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Janith Perera
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Chamindu Wickramasinghe
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Nuwan Thushara
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Binura Fernando
This series is poised to be a critical test for the new leadership and team dynamics as Sri Lanka aims to rebuild and reassert itself on the international stage.
Conclusion
As Sri Lanka prepares to face India in the upcoming T20I series, the team’s new composition and leadership under Charith Asalanka signal a fresh start following their World Cup disappointment. The inclusion of experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Janith Perera, along with promising talents such as Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Binura Fernando, showcases a balanced approach aimed at both immediate performance and long-term development. This series against the formidable Indian side will be a crucial test for Asalanka and his revamped squad, providing an opportunity to rebuild confidence and demonstrate their potential on the international stage. Sri Lankan fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching to see how these strategic changes translate into on-field success.
