Sri Lanka's interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya feels Charith Asalanka-led side should take maximum advantage in the absence of recently retired Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in T20Is after Rohit’s retirement. He is now India’s highest run-scorer in T20Is among current batters after the retirement of Rohit and Kohli who occupy the first and second spot respectively on the list. Ahead of the T20I series, Jayasuriya feels the trio's absence is a big loss for the Indian team.
“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,” Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by Sportstar. “Their absence will be loss to the Indian team and we have to take maximum advantage out of that.”
Jayasuriya took over the role after Chris Silverwood stepped down as head coach following Sri Lanka's early exit from T20 World Cup 2024.
After Wanindu Hasaranga relinquished T20I captain, Asalanka was named the new captain on July 23 as Sri Lanka's 16-member squad was announced. There was a shock inclusion in the side as veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal was recalled.
Big blow before first T20I
A day after the squad announcement, Sri Lanka faced a major blow as their 32-year-old pacer Dushmantha Chameera was ruled out of the series due to injury. His replacement is expected to be announced soon.
Pathirana ready for challenge
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's 21-year-old pacer Matheesha Pathirana is up for the challenge T20 World Cup champions pose. Pathirana will play his first T20I against India in the series opener on July 27 at Pallekele International Stadium.
“I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players; their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions,” Pathirana said.
“We have a very good side and a lot of talent and potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence booster for the next three years,” he added.
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