Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been ruled out of Sri Lanka's home series against India due to bronchitis and a respiratory infection. Asitha Fernando has been named as his replacement in both the ODI and T20I squads.
Chameera participated in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) with Kandy Falcons earlier this month but was not included in the later stages of the tournament. Sri Lanka's chief selector, Upul Tharanga, confirmed the diagnosis and Chameera's unavailability for the series against India. Tharanga, alongside newly appointed interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, discussed the team's future in T20 internationals.
Angelo Mathews' Future in T20Is
Angelo Mathews received an unexpected call-up to the T20I team earlier this year, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite scoring 261 runs with a strike rate of 151.74 in the LPL, he was not selected for the series against India. Tharanga indicated that while Mathews has not officially retired from T20Is, he is not part of the team's plans for the next World Cup in 2026. Tharanga mentioned that although Mathews performed well as a finisher, the selectors are focusing on preparing younger all-rounders for future competitions.
Role of Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera
Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera both delivered impressive performances in the LPL 2024, with 287 and 296 runs respectively. However, Sri Lanka faces stiff competition for top-order positions, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis confirmed as the first-choice openers. Kamindu Mendis is likely to bat at No. 4, with Avishka Fernando serving as a backup. This leaves one spot at No. 3 potentially available for either Chandimal or Perera.
Sri Lanka's Bowling Strategy Against India
With the T20I series against India set to be played in Pallekele, a venue known for its pace and bounce, Sri Lanka may opt for a three-fast-bowler strategy. Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Matheesha Pathirana could form the core of the pace attack, each bringing unique skills for the powerplay and death overs. Captain Dasun Shanaka offers an additional seam option, with Chamindu Wickramasinghe as a backup. In the spin department, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to play key roles, with Dunith Wellalage available if an extra spinner is needed.
Sanath Jayasuriya's Coaching Role
Sanath Jayasuriya, whose international career spanned 22 years, has transitioned into a coaching role, most recently serving as a cricket consultant for Sri Lanka Cricket, overseeing high-performance players and coaches. The upcoming home series against India will mark his debut as the head coach of the national team, a significant milestone in his post-playing career.