Colombo: With the India-Sri Lanka T20I series set to kick off on Saturday, July 27, in Pallekele, the hosts have suffered a significant blow. Sri Lanka’s most experienced fast bowler, Dushmantha Chameera, has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match series due to an injury.

Chameera, who last played for Sri Lanka in January 2024 against Zimbabwe, has been hampered by injuries that have hampered his career. His present injury situation has not been publicly reported by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), but it has pushed him out of the action against India. Chameera also missed critical matches for the Kandy Falcons in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 and was unavailable for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during IPL 2024. Additionally, he could only play in two matches in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Since his debut in 2015, the 32-year-old pacer has been a key figure in Sri Lanka's bowling attack, taking 143 wickets across 12 Tests, 52 ODIs, and 55 T20Is. His absence is a significant setback for the Sri Lankan team, which relies heavily on his experience and pace.

In light of Chameera's injury, one of Asitha Fernando or Pramod Madushan is likely to be called up to replace him in the T20I squad. Both bowlers have shown their skills during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League 2024 (LPL) and will look to seize the opportunity to make an impact on the international stage.

Sri Lanka's squad for India T20Is

Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando