Charith Asalanka Leads Sri Lanka in ODI Series Against India
Sri Lanka has announced their 16-player squad for the upcoming ODI series against India, which will start on Friday at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
New Captain
Charith Asalanka has been named the new captain, replacing Kusal Mendis. Asalanka also led Sri Lanka in the recent T20I series.
Changes in Leadership
Wanindu Hasaranga, who led the T20I team, stepped down after Sri Lanka’s early exit from the T20 World Cup last month.
Squad Highlights
Despite a good run under Mendis’ captaincy, Sri Lanka lost their recent away series to Bangladesh. Test batter Nishan Madushka has been included in the squad after his impressive performances in the red-ball format.
Injuries
Pacer Dushmantha Chameera will miss the series due to bronchitis and a respiratory infection. Nuwan Thushara will also be absent after fracturing his thumb during training.
Spin Bowling Options
Sri Lanka has a strong spin bowling lineup with Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, and Dunith Wellalage. Kamindu Mendis and Asalanka can also bowl part-time spin.
Batting Lineup
The top order will feature Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Mendis. Kusal Perera has been left out despite good T20 performances recently.
Full Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Charith Asalanka (C) | Captain |
| Pathum Nissanka | Batsman |
| Avishka Fernando | Batsman |
| Kusal Mendis | Batsman |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | Batsman |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder |
| Janith Liyanage | All-rounder |
| Nishan Madushka | Batsman |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-rounder |
| Dunith Wellalage | All-rounder |
| Chamika Karunaratne | All-rounder |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler |
| Akila Dananjaya | Bowler |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Bowler |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler |
| Asitha Fernando | Bowler |
Doubts Revealed
Charith Asalanka -: Charith Asalanka is a cricketer from Sri Lanka. He plays for the national team and has been chosen as the captain for the upcoming matches against India.
ODI Series -: ODI stands for One Day International. It is a type of cricket match that lasts for one day, with each team playing a set number of overs, usually 50.
Kusal Mendis -: Kusal Mendis is another cricketer from Sri Lanka. He was the captain before Charith Asalanka took over for this series.
Wanindu Hasaranga -: Wanindu Hasaranga is a famous cricketer from Sri Lanka known for his excellent bowling. He decided to stop being the captain after the T20 World Cup.
T20 World Cup -: The T20 World Cup is a big cricket tournament where teams from different countries play matches that are 20 overs long. It happens every few years.
Dushmantha Chameera -: Dushmantha Chameera is a fast bowler from Sri Lanka. He won’t be playing in the series against India because he is injured.
Nuwan Thushara -: Nuwan Thushara is another cricketer from Sri Lanka. Like Dushmantha Chameera, he is also injured and will miss the series.
Pathum Nissanka -: Pathum Nissanka is a young and talented cricketer from Sri Lanka. He is part of the team for the matches against India.
Avishka Fernando -: Avishka Fernando is a batsman from Sri Lanka. He is known for his strong batting skills and is included in the squad for the series.
Nishan Madushka -: Nishan Madushka is another player from Sri Lanka. He is part of the team that will play against India.
R Premadasa Stadium -: R Premadasa Stadium is a big cricket stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is where the matches between Sri Lanka and India will be played.
