Charith Asalanka. (Source – Twitter/X)
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection committee announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against India in Colombo. The Lankan Lions will play three matches at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7.
The biggest talking point that came up from Sri Lanka’s squad announcement was Charith Asalanka’s appointment as the new ODI captain. He has replaced Kusal Mendis, who was named as the ODI captain in December last year. Under the wicketkeeper-batter’s captaincy, Sri Lanka lost their most recent ODI series against Bangladesh in March. Asalanka, who recently replaced Wanindu Hasaranga as the T20I skipper, will now be leading Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket.
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In a media release, SLC stated that the Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando, approved the squad. From the T20I squad which is playing a three-match T20I series against India, Ramesh Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe have not made it to the ODI side. Meanwhile, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, and Akila Dananjaya have been included for the 50-over matches.
Sri Lanka’s squad for ODI series versus India: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando