Sri Lanka name new captain as 16-member squad revealed for T20I home series against India

Sri Lanka on Tuesday (July 23) announced a solid 16-member squad to take on India in a three-match T20I home series. Middle-order batter Chairth Asalanka has been named as their new captain after Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down from the role following his team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024.  

The island nation will host the Men in Blue in a three-match T20I and ODI series. The multi-format tour will kick off with the 20-over series on July 27 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele. The series will mark a fresh start for the Lankan side after their horror World Cup campaign.  

Under the leadership of Hasaranga, Sri Lanka managed to win just one game out of their four league matches. However, the star all-rounder will remain an integral part of the team. Notably, in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL) season, the leg-spinner took 15 wickets at a decent economy rate.

Asalanka to draw inspiration from recent LPL success

Asalanka is no stranger to the captaincy and could be the perfect choice considering his recent feat of leading the Jaffna Kings to their fourth LPL title. While veteran players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, and Dinesh Chandimal found a place in the squad, Angelo Matthews has been dropped.  

Batting all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe is the sole uncapped player in the lineup. Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera and Binura Fernando will lead the pace attack. Notably, the team will be coached by legendary Sanath Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka squad for T20I series vs 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 Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando.

It is noteworthy that Team India is also playing under a new captain. Following the retirement of World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma from the shorter format, India appointed star batter Suryakumar Yadav as their new captain with Shubman Gill as his deputy. Moreover, this will be the first assignment of the new head coach Gautam Gambhir. 

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir sheds light on support staff issue ahead of Sri Lankan tour