Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that Charith Asalanka will captain the national team in the upcoming ODI series against India. The three-match series is set to begin on August 2. Asalanka, who recently captained the T20I team, will now also lead the ODI squad.
The 16-man squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Key batsmen include Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis at the top order, with Sadeera Samarawickrama providing stability in the middle. Asalanka and Chamika Karunaratne round out the batting lineup. The spin-bowling duties will be handled by Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage, who impressed in the Asia Cup 2023. The pace attack includes Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Asitha Fernando.
📢 Sri Lanka ODI squad for India Series 📢 #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/FRVzXGyOoW
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 30, 2024
Notably absent from the squad are veteran players Angelo Matthews and Dasun Shanaka. Matthews, a long-time mainstay of the team, has been left out, while Shanaka, who missed part of the ODI World Cup 2023 due to injury, has not been recalled. Other omissions include Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thusara, both sidelined due to injuries.
The series will serve as a crucial opportunity for the Sri Lankan team to test their strength against a strong Indian side and build momentum ahead of future tournaments.