Shanaka, Chameera Snubbed As Sri Lanka Name T20I Squad For Home Series Vs West Indies
Dasun Shanaka has been dropped for Sri Lanka-West Indies T20I series (@OfficialSLC/X.com)
Sri Lanka has announced a formidable 17-member squad for their upcoming home T20I series against the West Indies, set to take place later this month. Notably, former skipper Dasun Shanaka and pacer Dushmantha Chameera were dropped, whereas Bhanuka Rajapaksa made a comeback.
Coming from an inspiring 2-1 T20I series victory against World Champions India in July, Sri Lanka will take on another dominant T20I team West Indies in their next assignment.
West Indies will be touring Sri Lanka for three-game T20I and ODI series starting from October 13. For the 20-20 format series, Sri Lanka cricket board released a full-fledged 17-member squad earlier today.
Sri Lanka leaves notable names out for T20I series Vs West Indies
Charith Asalanka, who took over leadership duties from Wanindu Hasaranga, will captain the side. The squad is similar to the one that was fielded against India, except for former captain Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera's unexpected exclusion.
Instead, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been recalled to the side for the first time since January 2023. Additionally, Jeffrey Vandersay, who earned a career-best 6/33 figure in the ODI series against India in August, is set to play his first T20I after more than two years gap.
The T20I series will commence from October 13 with all the three-games scheduled at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.
Sri Lanka T20I squad Vs West Indies
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando.
Sanath Jayasuriya gets full-time coaching role with Sri Lanka Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the appointment of former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya as the permanent head coach of the men's team, which marks a significant step following the team's commendable performances in recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand.
Originally appointed as a cricket consultant in December 2023, Jayasuriya took over as interim head coach, leading the team during the 2024 T20 World Cup. His new full-time contract will come into effect on October 1, 2024, and will last until March 31, 2026.