Asitha Fernando replaces injured Dushmantha Chameera

In a last-minute adjustment to their squad, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that pacer Asitha Fernando will replace Dushmantha Chameera for the upcoming white-ball series against India. This change comes as Chameera continues to recover from bronchitis and a respiratory infection, forcing him to sit out both the T20I and ODI legs of the series.

The decision was confirmed by Sri Lanka’s chief selector Upul Tharanga during a recent press conference. The series, set to begin on July 27, 2024, will feature three T20Is followed by three ODIs.

Chameera’s absence is undoubtedly a blow to the Sri Lankan team. The fast bowler has recently been a key player in the squad, with his skills for the Kandy Falcons in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024. However, Fernando’s inclusion brings fresh energy to the bowling attack.

Sri Lanka will be guided by interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, a legendary figure in Sri Lankan cricket. On the other side, India marks their journey on their first assignment under the guidance of former opener Gautam Gambhir, who takes over from T20 World Cup-winning coach Rahul Dravid.

The matches will be split between two venues, with the Pallekele International Stadium hosting the T20Is and the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for the ODIs.

This tour marks India’s return to Sri Lankan shores for a bilateral white-ball series since July 2021, when the teams split the honors with India clinching the ODI series 2-1 and Sri Lanka taking the T20Is by the same margin.

Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera (WK), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando