Dushmantha Chameera’s absence is no doubt a huge blow to the Sri Lankan team. He has been an integral part of the team, and he recently performed well for the Kandy Falcons in the LPL 2024. His experience and expertise in the bowling department will be hugely missed, but Fernando’s induction brings a new wave of energy into the attack, opening up new avenues for the team.
Sri Lanka will be guided by interim head coach and legendary figure of Sri Lankan cricket, Sanath Jayasuriya, whose leadership is expected to be inspirational to the team. On the other hand, India embarks on their first assignment under the guidance of former opener Gautam Gambhir, who steps in as head coach following the tenure of T20 World Cup-winning coach Rahul Dravid.
What will be watched keenly is Gambhir’s fresh approach and strategic acumen while leading the team in this series. The two prime locations where the matches would be divided include the Pallekele International Stadium, which is going to host the T20Is and make the shortest format of the game as lively and energetic as possible.
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At the same time, the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, is going to be the host for the ODI series and has a long, rich history of holding thrilling encounters of cricket. This tour will mark the return of India to Sri Lankan shores for a bilateral white-ball series since July 2021.
🚨 Dushmantha Chameera is still recovering from a bronchitis and respiratory infection he contracted, and hence will not be part of the T20I series.
Asitha Fernando joins the squad in place of Chameera. #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/U8KPEfn2TK
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 24, 2024
The two teams were quite competitive with each other in the series, which India took for the ODIs 2-1 and Sri Lanka took for the T20Is by the same margin. The upcoming matches are sure to be just as exciting, with both teams looking to build from those performances for success in this new chapter in their cricketing journey.
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Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera (WK), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando
