Sri Lanka has suffered a significant setback ahead of the upcoming T20I and ODI series against India, set to begin on July 27. The team's fast bowler, Dushmantha Chameera, has been ruled out of both series, a development confirmed by chief selector Upul Tharanga. Chameera, who is Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker in T20Is against India, will be sorely missed during the series.
For those unfamiliar with the details, India's T20I series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to kick off on July 27, with all three matches taking place in Pallekele. This marks the first official assignment for India's new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and Sri Lanka's interim head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya. Regarding Chameera's injury, Tharanga has assured that a replacement will soon be named in the T20I squad.
"Only yesterday did we get back the reports, and it can be confirmed that he will miss the T20Is and ODIs against India. We will name a replacement shortly," he said.
It is worth noting that Chameera did not participate in the last few matches for Kandy Falcons in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL). The exact timing of his injury remains unclear. Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madhushanka, and Kasun Rajitha are being considered as potential replacements for Chameera.
Notable absences from Sri Lanka's T20I squad include Angelo Mathews, with Upul Tharanga confirming that the veteran cricketer is currently not part of their T20I plans. Despite this, Mathews had made a successful return for the T20 World Cup and performed admirably at the LPL 2024, scoring 261 runs at a strike rate of 151.74.
"When we came in [as selectors] we spoke to Angie about playing in this past World Cup, that was the plan. But after the tournament we spoke again, and this time we told him he wasn't in our plans for the next World Cup.
"But during the brief time he was in the side after we brought him in, he played well. And in the LPL as well he did well as a finisher. But we need to look to the future. There's a big gap to fill when it comes to an allrounder in the side - we have about two or three new players in mind to slot into that role. We'll give them an opportunity and get them ready for the next World Cup," Tharanga added.
Sri Lanka's squad:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando
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