Sri Lanka- India Series
Charith Asalanka named Sri Lanka’s new T20 captain
|| CF DESK ||
Sri Lanka, India, ICC, Charith Asalanka is set to captain Sri Lanka in their upcoming three-match T20I series against India at the end of this month, following Wanindu Hasaranga's decision to step down from the role.
Sri Lanka has announced a strong squad for the series. Asalanka, who previously led the team in two T20Is against Bangladesh earlier this year when Hasaranga was suspended, takes over after Sri Lanka's disappointing performance in the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Under Hasaranga's leadership, the team secured only one win, defeating The Netherlands in their final Group D match, when they had no chance of advancing to the Super Eight stage.
Notably, experienced players Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva have been excluded from the squad, despite participating in the World Cup. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dilshan Madhushanka have also been left out, with selectors opting for Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Binura Fernando, and Avishka Fernando instead.
Veteran player Dinesh Chandimal returns to the squad and is set to play his first T20I match since February 2022.
All three matches will be held in Pallekele, starting with the opening game on July 27, followed by matches on July 28 and July 30.
Sri Lanka squad: 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 Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando