Sri Lanka has suffered a big setback ahead of the start of the T20I series against India in the form of an injury to star pacer Dushmantha Chameera. According to reports in Sri Lankan media on Wednesday (July 24), the 32-year-old right-arm pacer, who has 55 wickets to his name in as many T20Is played so far, will miss the upcoming three-match series against India due to an injury.
Chameera was named in Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad, announced on Tuesday. The Islanders will play under the leadership of Charith Asalanka against India in Gautam Gambhir’s first series as head coach of the Indian cricket team. Chameera was the most experienced pacer in Sri Lanka’s squad, and now, in his absence, Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara will lead the pace attack for the 2014 T20 World Cup winners.
The Sri Lankan Cricket Board is yet to confirm the news and announce a replacement.
Chameera last played a T20I match for Sri Lanka on January 18, 2024, against Zimbabwe. He was part of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad but didn’t get a chance to play in any of the four Group D matches. Sri Lanka was only able to win one match in the T20 World Cup 2024 under Wanindu Hasaranga’s leadership and failed to qualify for the Super 8s.
Asalanka to lead SL
Asalanka was named as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain for the India series after premier all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down from his role last month. Hasranga was announced as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain in place of Dasun Shanaka, but he failed to live up to expectations in the T20 World Cup 2024, both as a player and captain.
Surya to captain India
In the T20I series against Sri Lanka, India will play under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The former world No. 1 T20I batter was appointed as India’s new captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. The 33-year-old right-handed batter, who made his T20I debut for India in March 2021 against England during a five-match T20I series in Ahmedabad, has won five out of seven T20Is played so far as captain of the Men in Blue.
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