Follow UsMiddle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been left out Sri Lanka's 18-player squad for the three-match T20I series against India starting on March 24. The likes of Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando and Ramesh Mendis are also unavailable due to injuries. Last month, Rajapaksa had announced international retirement before withdrawing his decision citing 'familial reasons' for his sudden annoucement.
The only new addition to the squad from the 4-1 series loss against Australia is off-spinner Ashian Daniel. Kamil Mishara and Janith Liyanage, who made their T20I debuts in the recently-concluded series kept their places while Dinesh Chandimal and Danushka Chandimal got the long leash despite lean run of form.
Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and pacer Binura Fernando return to the squad after testing positive for COVID-19 during the Australia series. Pacer Nuwan Thusara, who replaced Binura in the 2nd T20I against the Aussies, has been left out due to injury.
The first T20I will be played at the on February 23 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow while the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala will host the second and third matches on March 26 and 27.
Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (VC), Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kamil Mishara, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Ashian Daniel