Charith Asalanka Leads Sri Lanka in T20I Against India with New Captains and Coaches

Pallekele, Sri Lanka, July 27: The newly-appointed Sri Lanka T20I captain, Charith Asalanka, is excited to lead his team in the first T20I game against India. He has learned a lot from playing under various captains and aims to create a positive environment for his players to perform their best.

India will begin a new era under coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, with the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in mind. This match marks the start of a new chapter for both teams, following the retirement of Indian stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja from the format.

Asalanka, who has been a leader since his days at Richmond College and the Sri Lanka under-19 team, recently led Jaffna Kings to their fourth Lanka Premier League (LPL) title. He believes that performing well in the LPL should earn players a spot in the national team.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka includes a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. The T20I matches will be held at Pallekele International Stadium, while the ODIs will take place at R Premadasa Stadium on August 2, 4, and 7. Both teams have new head coaches, with Sanath Jayasuriya as the interim head coach for Sri Lanka and Gautam Gambhir as the head coach for India.

The Sri Lanka squad includes 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, Dilshan Madushanka (replacement to be announced), Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando. Standby: Ramesh Mendis.