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Sri Lanka will face India in a white-ball series, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs. The series will take place from July 27 to August 7.
The series will commence with three T20I matches scheduled on July 27, July 29 and July 31 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This will be followed by three ODI matches set to be held on August 3, August 5 and August 7 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s recent form and team changes
Sri Lanka, under the captaincy of Wanindu Hasaranga, faced a disappointing exit from the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024. They were knocked out with successive losses to South Africa and Bangladesh, managing only one win against the Netherlands in their campaign. This underwhelming performance has prompted significant changes within the team and management.
In terms of leadership, Hasaranga stepped down as captain following the World Cup. Vice-captain Charith Asalanka has since been promoted to captaincy, marking a new era for the team. The squad has also undergone a major overhaul, with experienced players like Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dilshan Madhushanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama being dropped. In a notable comeback, Dinesh Chandimal is set to play his first T20I since February 2022.
Injuries to key players
However, Sri Lanka’s preparations have been hampered by injuries to key players. Both Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara have been ruled out of the T20I series due to injuries. They have been replaced by Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, respectively. Additionally, there have been changes in the coaching staff, with Sanath Jayasuriya being appointed as the interim coach after Chris Silverwood chose to step down following the T20 World Cup debacle.
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Sri Lanka’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against India:
- Avishka Fernando: Known for his aggressive stroke play, Fernando’s ability to take on the bowlers early and score quickly makes him a dangerous asset in the top order.
- Pathum Nissanka: An elegant opener with a solid technique, Nissanka’s consistency at the top provides a strong foundation for the team, capable of playing both aggressive and steady innings.
- Kusal Perera: A dynamic left-handed batter and wicketkeeper, Perera’s aggressive batting style and experience make him a key player for setting the tempo in the powerplay.
- Kusal Mendis: A versatile batter, Mendis can adapt to various situations, providing stability in the middle order with his ability to play both anchor and attacking roles.
- Charith Asalanka (c): A dependable middle-order batter and capable leader, Asalanka’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital cog in the lineup.
- Dasun Shanaka: An all-rounder and former captain, Shanaka’s power-hitting in the lower order and useful medium-pace bowling add balance and depth to the team.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: A world-class leg-spinner and capable lower-order batter, Hasaranga’s wicket-taking ability and handy batting make him a crucial all-rounder in the side.
- Dunith Wellalage: A promising young all-rounder, Wellalage’s left-arm spin and lower-order batting skills offer additional depth and variety to the bowling attack.
- Maheesh Theekshana: A mystery spinner with a knack for breakthroughs, Theekshana’s variations and control in the middle overs can stifle the opposition’s run rate.
- Matheesha Pathirana: Known for his slingy action and pace, Pathirana’s ability to bowl yorkers and deceive batter with his variations makes him a potent weapon in the death overs.
- Dilshan Madushanka: A left-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball, Madushanka’s early breakthroughs and control with the new ball are crucial for setting the tone in the bowling department.
