Sri Lanka faces another setback ahead of India T20I series

Sri Lanka's preparations for the T20I series against India have been dealt a significant blow, with fast bowler Nuwan Thushara being ruled out due to a broken finger on his left hand. 

The injury, which occurred during a fielding practice session late Wednesday, has been confirmed by team manager Mahinda Halangoda. 

Although the injury is on Thushara's non-bowling hand, it is severe enough to prevent his participation in the upcoming series.

Thushara is the second Sri Lankan fast bowler to be sidelined for the series. Earlier on Wednesday, Sri Lanka announced that Dushmantha Chameera will miss the series due to illness, with Asitha Fernando being named as his replacement. 

The team has yet to name Thushara's replacement, but left-armer Dilshan Madushanka is a potential candidate.

Thushara had been a consistent presence in Sri Lanka's T20I XI this year. He was a standout performer in the T20 World Cup, claiming eight wickets in three matches. 

Earlier in the year, he also made headlines by taking a T20I hat-trick with figures of 5 for 20 against Bangladesh.

The first T20I between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled for Saturday.

INDIA vs SRI LANKA Series Schedule:

T20I Series:

• 1st T20I: July 27 - 6:30 PM - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
• 2nd T20I: July 28 - 6:30 PM - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
• 3rd T20I: July 30 - 6:30 PM - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

ODI Series:

• 1st ODI: August 2 - 2:00 PM - R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
• 2nd ODI: August 4 - 2:00 PM - R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
• 3rd ODI: August 7 - 2:00 PM - R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo