A former Punjab Kings (PBKS) star has been included in the national team squad after a gap of one and a half years. The player has had problems with his form, which kept him out of the team for a long period, but he has been called up.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the left-handed batsman, is part of the 17-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies. His last T20I outing was almost 20 months ago, when he played against India in Pune in 2023.

His inclusion came after his excellent performances in this year’s Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, scoring 236 runs at an average of 29.50 and a strike rate of 163.88, including fifties. His high attacking intent is ideal for T20s, earning him name and fame before he fell into form.

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However, he is now back and firing again and will look to seal his place in the shortest format as the team moves into the future. He is also expected to come into the XI from the first game and bat in the Sri Lankan middle order.

Charith Asalanka as captain; Dasun Shanaka fell

Charith Asalanka will continue to captain the team but former Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has been excluded from the team. His international performances were not up to par and, as he was no longer the leader, his dismissal always came.

Jeffrey Vandersay, who was absolutely phenomenal in the ODI series, has also been withdrawn for the T20I series. His last T20I appearance was in 2022 during the T20I series against India, but his recent heroics have played a pivotal role in his reintegration.

Other notable names in the team include Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando. Nuwan Untilhara, who was withdrawn from the T20I series against India, has returned to the team.

The three-match T20I series against the West Indies will begin on Sunday (October 13) in Dambulla before the second T20I on Tuesday (October 15) and the third T20I on Thursday (October 17) at the same venue. After the T20I series, Sri Lanka will also play a three-match ODI series in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka squad for T20I series against West Indies: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Untilhara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando

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