Sri Lanka Names T20I Squad for West Indies Series

Middle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been recalled to Sri Lanka's T20I squad for the three-match series against West Indies, but former captain Dasun Shanaka has been omitted. Taking Shanaka's place is 22-year-old all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who debuted against India and retains his spot.

Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka also misses out, while fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is unavailable due to an injury that has sidelined him since July.

The rest of the squad remains largely as expected. Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay has earned a spot in the squad after impressing as Wanindu Hasaranga's replacement in the ODI series against India. Hasaranga returns to the team as well.

Dinesh Chandimal, who was included in the squad for the India series but hasn't featured in a T20I since 2022, keeps his place, potentially helped by his strong performances in Test cricket.

Rajapaksa, 32, has not represented Sri Lanka since January 2023 and enters the squad with only moderate form, having had a middling performance for St. Lucia Kings in the recently concluded CPL. However, he has been selected based on past performances, as Sri Lanka looks for reliable finishers—an area they have struggled with historically.

Madushanka's exclusion comes after concerns over his high economy rate in T20 cricket. Despite taking a wicket per match on average, his economy rate of 9.75 across 15 matches is deemed too expensive. Sri Lanka’s pace options include Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Asitha Fernando.

On the spin front, Sri Lanka can choose from Hasaranga, Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage, with additional overs possible from Kamindu Mendis. Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has not been included in this squad.

The T20I series kicks off on Sunday, with all three matches scheduled to be played in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka’s T20I Squad Against West Indies:

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando.