Charith Asalanka to lead Sri Lanka in India T20Is, Chamindu Wickramasinghe earns maiden national call-up
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming three-game T20I series against India, beginning on July 27 (Saturday). With Wanindu Hasaranga stepping down as captain recently, Charith Asalanka will lead the hosts as they take on a strong Indian team, coming off winning the T20 World Cup.
Batting all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe is the only uncapped player in the 16-player squad and is coming off a promising Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 for the Dambulla Sixers. The 21-year-old smacked 186 runs in eight matches, striking at 131.91 alongside an average of 62. He also picked up seven wickets at 21.14 apiece.
Former captain Dinesh Chandimal is in line to play his first T20I in over two years after hammering 287 runs in 10 innings in LPL 2024, striking at 168.82 for Kandy Falcons. Asalanka didn't have the most productive tournament, managing only 173 runs in 11 games in LPL, but finished as the title-winning captain as Jaffna Kings beat Galle Marvels by nine wickets in the final.
Sri Lanka squad for India series: 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.
The hosts have also witnessed a change on the coaching front as Chris Silverwood stepped down after the T20 World Cup, with Sanath Jayasuriya taking charge in an interim role.
With Rohit Sharma retiring from T20Is after the World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav will lead India, while Gautam Gambhir has succeeded Rahul Dravid as coach.
Sri Lanka beat India in their last home T20I series
The last time India toured Sri Lanka was in 2021 to play three ODIs and as many T20Is. While the tourists won the ODI series, the home side bounced back to win the T20I rubber.
As far as the upcoming series goes, the T20 fixtures will take place on July 27 (Saturday), July 28 (Sunday), and July 30 (Tuesday) in Pallekele. The ODIs will be played on August 2 (Friday), August 4 (Sunday) and August 7 (Wednesday) in Colombo. The Island nation will hope to put on a good show after a disappointing T20 World Cup where they were knocked out in the group stage.