Nishan Madushka, the opening batsman, has been called up for the first time in an ODI for Sri Lanka’s forthcoming home three-match series against India. The 24-year-old, who made his Test team debut on the international scene in April 2023, has averaged 42 in his first eight games of the red ball season.
When Nishan Madushka accomplished the feat during the home series against Ireland last year, he joined the select group of cricketers who have turned their first Test century into a double century.
Though Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are anticipated to bat at the top of the order, Madushka will probably continue to be the team’s backup opener. The youthful opener is the only new player in the 16-man team that will be captained by Charith Asalanka, who was promoted to the position in the shortest format and is now elevated to captaincy.
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In addition, the team has undergone a few forced and unforced alterations from Sri Lanka’s previous ODI assignment in Bangladesh.
After missing the Bangladesh series due to fitness concerns, pacer Matheesha Pathirana returns to the team as anticipated. Both Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara, who were sidelined for the India T20Is because of injury, are still out while Pramod Madushan has been benched. Asitha Fernando, a talented bowler, has returned to the Lanka Premier League after an excellent season. She will likely share new-ball responsibilities with Dilshan Madushanka.
ODI squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage