Dasun Shanaka To Lead As Sri Lanka Announce A 25-Member Provisional Squad For India Series

Sri Lanka has finally named their squad to face India in the upcoming limited-overs series at home after much deliberation. There were plenty of uncertainties regarding the squad due to contractual issues, off-field controversies, and their on-field performances. Hence, as previously rumoured before, the home side has named a new captain by sacking Kusal Perera, who endured a winless tour of England.

According to reliable sources, the national selectors have announced Dasun Shanaka as the new captain, with Dhananjaya de Silva set to be his deputy. Dasun Shanaka is not only a level-headed cricketer, but has also delivered a few promising performances and did well in England. The seam-bowling all-rounder also led Sri Lanka to a famous 3-0 victory over Pakistan in their backyard in T20Is in late 2019.

Earlier, Shanaka also got the nod for the tour of the West Indies; however, he could reach the destination due to a visa delay. Furthermore, Dhananjaya de Silva received the vice-captaincy duties and made a fighting 91 in the second One-day international at the Oval against England. De Silva is also a useful off-spinner, capable of breaking partnerships.

The 25-man squad, needing the Sports Minister’s approval, sees the return of Lahiru Kumara, Ashen Bandara, Kasun Rajitha, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. There was only one uncapped player in Lahiru Udara, the right-handed batsman and a promising prospect. Udara averages 32.78 in List A cricket and 22.60 in the shortest format, with a decent strike rate of 135.87.

Sri Lanka’s 25-man squad to face India in the three-match ODI and T20I series in Colombo:

Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Dhananjaya de Silva (Vice-Captain), Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Isuru Udana, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Ashen Bandara, Lahiru Udara, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha and Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

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