The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection committee has unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. The matches are scheduled to be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7.
The most notable development in this announcement is Charith Asalanka’s appointment as the new ODI captain. Asalanka replaces Kusal Mendis, who had taken on the role of ODI captain in December of the previous year. Mendis’s tenure saw a disappointing end with a series loss against Bangladesh in March. Asalanka, who recently took over as the T20I captain from Wanindu Hasaranga, now assumes leadership for Sri Lanka in all white-ball formats.
In a media release, SLC stated that the Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando, approved the squad. Significant omissions from the T20I squad currently competing against India include Ramesh Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe. Instead, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, and Akila Dananjaya have been called up for the 50-over series.
Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad Against India:
- Charith Asalanka (C)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Nishan Madushka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Akila Dananjaya
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Asitha Fernando
Statements at the Toss
At the toss for the third T20I, Asalanka, recently named the ODI captain, chose to bowl first, citing the dry nature of the pitch and the difficulty of batting as the ball ages. “We are going to bowl first. Looks like a dry pitch. There was a batting collapse when the ball gets older it’s a bit harder to bat. We have planned a little bit differently. One change, Wickramasinghe comes in for Shanaka,” Asalanka said.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed a preference for bowling first as well, considering the rain threat. “Would’ve liked to chase as well with the weather around. Becomes difficult for the bowling team to control the ball later. We have 4 guys resting – Hardik, Axar, Rishabh and Arshdeep. We spoke about the brand of cricket we want to play and it’s about topping it up every game and being the best version of ourselves,” Yadav remarked.
Challenges Ahead
Asalanka’s captaincy journey has had a rocky start, with Sri Lanka losing the first two T20Is against India and facing the prospect of a series whitewash. The final T20I is set for July 30 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, and Sri Lanka will be keen to secure a win to boost their morale ahead of the ODIs. The upcoming ODI series will be a formidable challenge as India fields a strong squad featuring seasoned players like captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
As cricket fans eagerly await the ODI series, the leadership change in the Sri Lankan camp adds an intriguing element to the contests. Charith Asalanka’s performance as captain will be closely watched, as he aims to steer the Lankan Lions to a series victory against a robust Indian side.
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