Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection committee announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against India in Colombo. The matches will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium on August 2, 4, and 7.
The major highlight was Charith Asalanka’s appointment as the new ODI captain, replacing Kusal Mendis, under whose leadership Sri Lanka recently lost an ODI series to Bangladesh. Asalanka, who also replaced Wanindu Hasaranga as T20I skipper, will now lead Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket.
SLC stated that the squad was approved by the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando. Notable omissions from the T20I squad include Ramesh Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe, while Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, and Akila Dananjaya have been included.
Sri Lanka’s squad for ODI series versus India: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.
Asalanka noted that the pitch is dry and batting becomes challenging as the ball ages, which influenced his decision to bowl first. Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav mentioned he would have preferred to bowl first due to the threat of rain but emphasized his team’s commitment to giving their best performances.
Asalanka has had a rough start to his captaincy, with Sri Lanka losing the first two T20Is against India and facing the prospect of a whitewash. The final T20I will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, July 30.
Sri Lanka hopes to end the series on a high note to boost morale ahead of the ODIs, where they will face a strong Indian side led by Rohit Sharma and featuring Virat Kohli.