Rajapaksa, Vandersay return and Shanaka, Chameera omitted as Sri Lanka announces T20I squad against Windies

Debayan Sinha

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

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Sri Lanka has revealed a 17-member squad for the T20I series against West Indies at home. Bhanuka Rajapaksa returns from injury and is set to rejoin the team alongside Jeffrey Vandersay while all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been left out of the squad, marking a significant change in the lineup.

‌Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially revealed their squad for the three-match T20I series against the West Indies. One notable change is the return of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has been included in the T20I lineup for the first time since January 2023. Rajapaksa earned his spot after a standout performance with the St. Lucia Kings in the recent Caribbean Premier League and consistent form in the Lanka Premier League 2024 while representing Galle.

Additionally, leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay has been selected in the T20I squad for the first time in two years. Despite claiming eight wickets in two ODIs against India in August, Vandersay has limited T20 experience, making his inclusion a bit surprising given that Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage are ahead of him in Sri Lanka's T20I pecking order.

Meanwhile, former captain and star all-rounder Dasun Shanaka misses out on the 17-member squad. Although Shanaka had a disappointing T20I series against India in July, where he failed to contribute with either bat or ball, he showed promising form in the National Super League Limited Over tournament. However, his efforts were not enough to solidify a place in the T20I squad.

Veteran pacer Dushmantha Chameera has also been omitted, despite impressive showings in the Lanka Premier League. Fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka is another notable absence, while youngster Matheesha Pathirana will lead the pace attack, supported by Nuwan Thushara and Asitha Fernando.

The Sri Lanka vs. West Indies T20I series is scheduled to take place on October 13th, 15th, and 17th, 2024, at the RDICS in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka T20I squad for the series against West Indies: Charith Asalanka (c), 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.

 

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