Middle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has made his return to Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the three-match series against the West Indies. However, former captain Dasun Shanaka has been left out. With Shanaka unavailable, 22-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who debuted against India, retains his spot.
Left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka misses out, joining fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who remains sidelined with a July injury. The rest of the squad is largely predictable, with legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay included after his impressive performances as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga during the ODI series against India. Hasaranga returns to the team as well.
Dinesh Chandimal retains his position in the squad against India, even though he hasn’t played T20Is since 2022. His strong performances in Test cricket likely influenced this decision. Rajapaksa, 32, hasn’t played for Sri Lanka since January 2023 and arrives without much form, having performed moderately for St Lucia Kings in the CPL.
Madushanka’s exclusion results from his high economy rate of 9.75 in 15 matches, which raises concerns for a bowler with an average of one wicket per game. Sri Lanka has several alternatives, including Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Asitha Fernando in the pace department.
The T20I series begins on Sunday, with all matches scheduled to take place in Dambulla.
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