Sri Lanka squad for India T20Is announced; Charith Asalanka to captain the side

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed the star batter Charith Asalanka as their T20I captain, as they announced the 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the T20 World Cup 2024 champions India, starting on July 27 in Pallekele.

The Asalanka batter has been elevated to Sri Lanka’s T20I captain after Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down from the position following the Islanders’ poor performance at the T20 World Cup 2024. However, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has yet to officially announce Asalanka’s appointment.

Charith Asalanka to lead Sri Lanka in T20I series against India

Sri Lankan Sports Minister Harin Fernando has approved the 16-member squad for the home T20I series against India. The squad is a perfect blend of youngsters and experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal and Chamindu Wickremesinghe for the T20I series against India at home.

Apart from them, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Janith Perera, known for their explosive batting at the top of the order, have also been named in the 16-member T20I squad. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka add depth to Sri Lanka’s middle order, while Wanindu Hasaranga is set to provide a potent spin option to the hosts against Team India in the home T20I series.

Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana are expected to bolster Sri Lanka's bowling attack, offering a blend of spin and pace. The 16-member T20I squad also features experienced campaigners like Chandimal and Avishka Fernando, whose experience will be crucial in high-pressure situations.

The pace department will be spearheaded by Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara, with Binura Fernando and young batting all-rounder Wickremasinghe providing additional options with the ball. Additionally, the young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has also made the cut for home T20Is.

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stated in a media release: “The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selected the 16-member squad to play in the T20I series during the India Tour of Sri Lanka 2024. The Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando, approved the squad. The T20I games will be played on the 27th, 28th, and 30th July at the PICS, Pallekele.”

Here’s the Sri Lanka squad for the T20I series against India:

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.

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Notably, the three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on July 27, 28, and 30, respectively, while the ODI series will be held on August 2, 4, and 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

On the other hand, the Indian cricket team has already reached Colombo for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav will be in charge of India, while Asalanka is also the new captain, so this T20I series is going to be interesting to see how the fresh leaders bring energy and entertainment to the fans with their captaincy.