The much-anticipated T20I series between Sri Lanka and India is set to commence on Saturday, July 27, with all three matches scheduled in Pallekele. However, Sri Lanka's preparations have been disrupted by setbacks, this time with fast bowler Binura Fernando becoming the latest casualty.
Fernando, who was in exceptional form during the Lanka Premier League, is doubtful for the series opener due to illness. He has been hospitalised due to chest infection. In light of Fernando's uncertain status, Sri Lanka has named Ramesh Mendis as a standby player for the T20I series against India. The team awaits Fernando's recovery to determine his availability for the remaining matches.
Binura Fernando doubtful for T20I series opener against India
Binura Fernando potential absence would be a significant setback for Sri Lanka, joining Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera on the sidelines. Despite the absence of key bowlers, Sri Lanka has managed to find suitable replacements in the form of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
Fernando's ability to excel in both the powerplay and death overs made him a crucial asset to the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Sri Lanka Under New Leadership After Disappointing World Cup
Sri Lanka enter the T20I series against India amidst a period of transition. Following a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, head coach Chris Silverwood and captain Wanindu Hasaranga resigned from their roles. Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as interim coach, while Charith Asalanka will lead the team as captain.
During a recent press conference, Jayasuriya mentioned that the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is will affect the visiting team. Therefore, he urged the hosts to capitalize on this opportunity.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are best players in the world. Looking at their talent and the kind of cricket they have played we all know where they belong, along with Jadeja. Their absence will be loss to the Indian team and we have to take maximum advantage out of that,” Jayasuriya said at the pre-match press conference.
Sri Lanka's T20I squad:
Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Welalage.
India's T20I squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (V/C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.
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