Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have appointed star batsman Charith Asalanka as their T20I captain as they announced the 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against 2024 T20 World Cup champions India, which begins on July 27 at Pallekele.
Batsman Asalanka has been promoted to Sri Lanka’s T20I captain after Wanindu Hasaranga resigned from the post following the Islanders’ poor performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board is yet to officially announce Asalanka’s appointment.
Charith Asalanka to lead Sri Lanka in T20I series against India
Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Harin Fernando has approved the 16-member squad for the home T20I series against India. The team is a perfect combination of youngsters and experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal and Chamindu Wickremesinghe for the T20I series against India at home.
Apart from them, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Janith Perera, known for their explosive batting at the top of the order, have also been named in the 16-member T20I squad. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka add depth to Sri Lanka’s middle order, while Wanindu Hasaranga is set to provide a potent spin option for the hosts against Team India in the home T20I series.
Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana are expected to bolster Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, offering a combination of spin and pace. The 16-member T20I squad also features experienced players like Chandimal and Avishka Fernando, whose experience will be crucial in high-pressure situations.
The pace department will be headed by Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara, with Binura Fernando and young all-rounder Wickremasinghe providing additional options with the ball. Additionally, young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has also been selected for the home T20Is.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee (SLC) stated in a press release: “The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has selected the 16-member squad to play in the T20I series during the India Tour of Sri Lanka 2024. The Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando has approved the squad. The T20I matches will be played on 27, 28 and 30 July at the PICS, Pallekele.”
Here is Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20I series against India:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Untilhara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando.
Notably, the three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on July 27, 28 and 30 respectively, while the ODI series will be held on August 2, 4 and 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
On the other hand, the Indian cricket team has already arrived in Colombo for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav will be in charge of India while Asalanka is also the new captain, so this T20I series will be interesting to see how the new leaders bring energy and entertainment to the fans with their captaincy.
