Why is Matheesha Pathirana not playing India vs Sri Lanka ODI series?

Sri Lanka's vastly popular and promising fast-bowler Matheesha Pathirana is out of action due to a mild strain and will miss the home three-ODI series against India which begins on Friday at the R Premadasa Stadium.

According to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Pathirana suffered a mild sprain on his right shoulder while diving to take a catch during the recent third T20I against India. It's a big blow to the hosts as Pathirana was excellent in the T20I series, taking five wickets at an average of 11.60 at an economy rate of 10.55.

Although Pathirana doesn't have a great record in ODIs -- 17 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 36.24 -- this series would have been perfect for him to get used to the format and start his journey towards the 2025 Champions Trophy.

His familiarity with the Indian opponents, most of whom he has played with or against while representing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, would have also come in handy to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's playing 11 without Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lanka have been dealt a double whammy with another pacer Dilshan Madushanka also ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

The selectors have brought in Galle Marvels' pacer Mohammed Shiraz and Jaffna Kings' Eshan Malinga as replacements. Kusal Janith, Pramod Madushan and Jeffrey Vandersay have been added to the team as standbys as well.

In the two senior pacers' absence, Shiraz got a debut in the first ODI. Sri Lanka's bowling took an unseasoned look which could be a big disadvantage because Pathirana and Madushanka would have been difference-makers against an Indian team that also rested a couple of its best players for the series.

Sri Lanka's 11: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando and Mohamed Shiraz.

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