The 16-player team for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)’s forthcoming three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against India been revealed. Playoffs begin on July 27 in Pallekele. As the island nation looks to turn around its T20I fortunes after a dismal showing in the most recent T20 World Cup 2024, this announcement represents a major change in leadership and team makeup.
Out of their four league games, the Sri Lankan team was only able to win one. The team has undergone changes as a result of this poor performance, mostly in the captaincy department.
Charith Asalanka is the new T20I captain, having taken over from Wanindu Hasaranga, who stepped down from the position. Asalanka just guided Jaffna Kings to their fourth Lanka Premier League championship, which prompted the decision.
The recently assembled team is made up of both new and seasoned players. Chamindu Wickramasinghe, the only player in the list without a cap, is a batting all-rounder that the selectors have picked among veteran players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, and Dinesh Chandimal.
The Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando, approved the squad selection, which takes a calculated approach to solve the team’s recent troubles.
On July 22, an Indian team touched down in Sri Lanka.
Future stars for Sri Lankan cricket include Dunith Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana, while veterans like Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, and Avishka Fernando offer invaluable knowledge.
Conversely, Monday saw the arrival of India in Sri Lanka. With skipper Suryakumar Yadav and new head coach Gautam Gambhir at the helm, the newly crowned T20 world champions hope to carry on their winning streak.
Sri Lanka announces the T20I squad for the India series, with Asalanka named as captain. #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/O5oeyFtLHU
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 23, 2024
Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20I series against India
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal 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.