Sri Lanka announce squad for T20I series against West Indies

Rajapaksa, who last played for Sri Lanka in January 2023, has struggled with consistency in recent months

PHOTO: AFP

Sri Lanka has named its squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, with middle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa making a return after an extended absence. However, former captain Dasun Shanaka has been left out of the team, marking a significant change for the island nation's cricket setup.

Rajapaksa, who last played for Sri Lanka in January 2023, has struggled with consistency in recent months. His performance in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for St Lucia Kings saw him score 127 runs in six matches, averaging 25.60 with a strike rate of 111.30. Despite the mixed results, his ability to bring explosive power in the middle overs could be key to Sri Lanka’s success.

Chamindu Wickramasinghe, a 22-year-old all-rounder who made his debut against India, retains his place in the squad in Shanaka’s absence. Sri Lanka will also be without left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, while right-arm quick Dushmantha Chameera continues to recover from an injury sustained in July.

The squad sees the return of legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who impressed in the ODI series against India, and star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who is back after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Dinesh Chandimal, a long-time presence in the squad who hasn’t played a T20I since 2022, holds his spot after strong performances in the Test format. Meanwhile, the bowling lineup remains formidable with Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Asitha Fernando leading the pace attack.

The T20I series will begin on Sunday, October 13, at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The second match will take place on October 15, and the final match will be played on October 17.

Sri Lanka Squad: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando.