Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies, scheduled to be played from October 13, 2024. The squad marks the return of left-handed batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has not represented Sri Lanka for over a year.

Sri Lanka will look to bounce back from their recent T20 World Cup and Indian series disappointment and make a strong start to the series with several key players returning to the squad.

Rajapaksa, a key player in Sri Lanka's 2022 Asia Cup-winning campaign, returns to the side after an impressive stint in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with the Saint Lucia Kings. Although he managed only 125 runs in six matches, he maintained a strike rate of 141.11.

Charith Asalanka will captain the side, while star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who stepped down from the captaincy after Sri Lanka's exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, will lead the spin attack. Hasaranga will be supported by a strong bowling unit featuring Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage.

Vandersay, who last featured in a T20I match more than two years ago, has been included in the squad, hinting at Sri Lanka’s emphasis on spin for the upcoming series. The pace department will be led by Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, and Asitha Fernando.

Sri Lanka's T20I Squad Against West Indies: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando

Sri Lanka vs West Indies T20I Series Schedule:

1st T20I: October 13, 2024 – Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

2nd T20I: October 15, 2024 – Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

3rd T20I: October 17, 2024 – Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium