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The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has revealed a strong 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against India. The three-match series will be held at the Pallekele International Stadium, promising an exciting contest between the two neighboring countries.
Charith Asalanka to lead
Charith Asalanka has been named as the captain of the Sri Lankan team. Under his leadership, the team aims to showcase a robust performance and leverage his strategic prowess to steer the team towards victory. Notably, Asalanka takes over the T20I captaincy from Wanindu Hasaranga after the latter had stepped down from the role earlier this month.
Sri Lanka looks for redemption
Sri Lanka’s performance in the recent ICC T20 World Cup was disappointing, with the team being knocked out during the group stage after securing just one win out of four games, with one match washed out. This series against India presents a crucial opportunity for the team to rebuild, regain confidence, and demonstrate their capabilities on the international stage.
Key players to shine
The squad comprises several key players who are expected to shine in the series. These include Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Mendis. Experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal and Dasun Shanaka, along with emerging talents such as Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, add depth to the team. The squad is well-balanced with a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, setting the stage for a competitive series.
Sri Lanka squad for India T20Is: 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
Also READ: 3 reasons why Sanju Samson hasn’t been picked for the ODI series against Sri Lanka
India brings fresh approach
India, too, are bringing a fresh approach to the series with a new coaching setup and leadership. Gautam Gambhir, who was appointed as the head coach following India’s ICC World Cup triumph, is expected to bring innovative strategies and renewed energy to the team. His appointment marks a significant shift in India’s cricketing tactics, as Gambhir is known for his aggressive and tactical mindset both as a former player and a leader.
Alongside him, a blend of experienced and young players in the squad is poised to create a dynamic and unpredictable team under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. This change in coaching and leadership is aimed at maintaining India’s competitive edge and continuing their recent success on the international stage, making the upcoming matches against Sri Lanka highly anticipated.
