Sri Lanka name updated squad for the T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka have added five more players - Lakshan Sandakan, Ramesh Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Minod Bhanuka and Ashen Bandara to their squad for the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Lahiru Madushanka has been omitted from the squad due to injury. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) released a statement to confirm the development. The addition of the five players will take the number of players who’ll travel to the UAE to 23.

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The team will depart for Oman on October 3, where they will play a couple of T20Is against Oman. The original squad saw Kusal Perera return to the side after missing the South Africa series. Senior batsman Dinesh Chandimal also held on to his spot in the squad.

“Sri Lanka Cricket’s Selection Committee included 05 more additional players to join the Sri Lanka squad taking part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021,” SLC said in a statement.

“Accordingly, a total of 23 players will consist of Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad. Sri Lanka Team will leave for Oman on October 3, 2021.

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Recently, the SLC roped in veteran batsman Mahela Jayawardene as a consultant for the T20 World Cup. Initially, he was hired to give his services for the qualifiers, which was further extended to the Super 12s given that Sri Lanka qualifies for the second round. Jayawardene will join the team immediately after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League where he serves as the head coach of five-time champions Mumbai Indians.

Sri Lanka will start their World Cup preparations with two T20Is against Oman on October 7 and 9. They will then play two warm-up games on October 12 and 14. The Lankan Lions are clubbed with Netherlands, Namibia and Ireland in Group A and will kick off their campaign against the Netherlands on October 22.

Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Pathum Nissanka, Minod Bhanuka, Ashen Bandara, Lakshan Sandakan, and Ramesh Mendis.

Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga.