Sri Lankan pacer Binura Fernando has been ruled out of the upcoming first T20I against India, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Friday (July 26).

The left-arm spinner has been hospitalised due to a chest infection. Recent reports in Sri Lankan media claimed that Binura Fernando was suffering from flu and his chances of playing the first match were extremely low. SLC has now confirmed the news, stating that he also had to be admitted to hospital.

Sri Lanka have also brought in all-round spin bowler Ramesh Mendis as a reserve player into the squad. Mendis has played two T20Is so far and both appearances were in 2021. He last played for Sri Lanka in 2023 during the Colombo Test against Pakistan.

“Binura Fernando has been hospitalised due to a chest infection. Ramesh Mendis has been brought into the squad as a reserve player,” the SLC said.

🚨Binura Fernando has been hospitalized because the player suffers from a chest infection.

Ramesh Mendis has been brought into the squad as a substitute player. #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/aR25DtAb5s

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 26, 2024

Binura Fernando’s absence will certainly be a blow for Sri Lanka. The fast bowler was in great form in the Lanka Premier League earlier this month. He picked up 13 wickets and maintained a brilliant economy rate of 6.81.

Sri Lanka embarks on a new journey:

The series against India will mark the beginning of a new journey for Sri Lanka in T20Is. A new captain will lead them in the series. Charith Asalanka recently replaced Wanindu Hasaranga as the T20 captain after the latter resigned from the post earlier this month following Sri Lanka’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup.

The upcoming series will be an opportunity for Sri Lanka to bounce back from their poor World Cup campaign. The Islanders were knocked out of the competition in the group stages and will be looking to put in a good showing against India.