Sri Lanka Names Charith Asalanka as New Captain for T20I Series Against India

Sri Lanka has announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, appointing Charith Asalanka as captain. The squad features returns for players like Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, and Avishka Fernando, while uncapped Chamindu Wickramasinghe has also been included.

Sri Lanka has unveiled its 16-man squad for the forthcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against India, starting July 27, with Charith Asalanka appointed as the new captain. Asalanka steps in for Wanindu Hasaranga, who resigned earlier this month after six months in the role. Asalanka has previously captained the team in two T20Is against Bangladesh and led the Sri Lanka Under-19 team and Jaffna Kings to a Lanka Premier League (LPL) title.

The squad sees the return of 34-year-old Dinesh Chandimal, last seen in a T20I in early 2022. Chandimal's stellar performance in the LPL, where he scored 287 runs at a strike rate of 168.82, has earned him a recall. However, veteran Angelo Mathews has been left out. Uncapped 21-year-old all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe has been included after a standout performance in the LPL and training at the MRF Pace Academy in India.

Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, and Binura Fernando also return to the squad, with Binura replacing Dilshan Madushanka, who has been omitted despite taking 21 wickets in the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup. Perera and Avishka have shown tremendous form in the LPL, with Perera scoring 296 runs at a strike rate of 169.14 and Avishka amassing 374 runs at a strike rate of 162.60, respectively.

The remainder of the squad includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, and Wanindu Hasaranga forming a strong batting lineup. The spin-bowling department features Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wellalage, with Kamindu Mendis offering ambidextrous skills.

The seam attack includes Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, and Dushmantha Chameera, with medium-pace options Shanaka and Wickramasinghe also available. This balanced squad is set to challenge India in what promises to be an exciting series at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 27, 28, and 30.

(With inputs from agencies.)