Jayasuriya calls on Sri Lanka to capitalize on India's inexperience in T20I series

Sri Lanka's interim coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, has urged his team to capitalize on the absence of India's star players in their upcoming T20 series.

Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from the shortest format after India's recent Twenty20 World Cup victory, Jayasuriya emphasized the loss these players represent for India.

Jayasuriya, who took over as interim coach after Chris Silverwood's departure post Sri Lanka's early exit from the T20 World Cup, noted the talent and impact of Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja in world cricket.

"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are best players in the world. Looking at their talent and the kind of cricket they have played we all know where they belong, along with Jadeja," Jayasuriya said.

"Their absence will be loss to the Indian team and we have to take maximum advantage out of that."

With Wanindu Hasaranga replaced by Charith Asalanka as captain, Sri Lanka has also bolstered its squad with new faces like Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, and promising all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who impressed in the Lanka Premier League.

However, Sri Lanka faces a setback with fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera sidelined due to injury for both the T20 and upcoming ODI series against India. Chief selector Upul Tharanga confirmed plans to name a replacement soon. The three-match ODI series is scheduled for August 2, 4, and 7 in Colombo, following the T20 fixtures at Pallekele.