Massive blow for Sri Lanka as another bowler gets ruled out of T20I series against India

Sri Lanka have now lost two first-choice pacers even before the series started.

With still two days to go for the first T20I against India, Sri Lanka have lost the services of two key pacers. After senior pacer Dushmantha Chameera, it is the inexperienced Nuwan Thushara who has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against the Men In Blue.

Led by new skipper Charith Asalanka, Lanka will be hosting India for three T20Is, starting July 27, before they contest three ODIs.

The hosts will have a depleted squad to choose from as Chameera and Thushara have been ruled out of the series.

Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara suffers hand injury during training on Wednesday

Team manager Mahinda Halangoda has confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Thushara suffered an injury on his left hand during a training session on Wednesday evening while the bowler was doing fielding practice.

SLC have not yet named a replacement for Thushara, who has been in form recently. In three matches at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Thushara picked up eight wickets and was the only bright spot for Sri Lanka, who suffered a group-stage exit.

In 11 T20Is, Thushara has snapped 19 wickets, including a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh.

On Wednesday, Chameera was ruled out of the series with bronchitis and a respiratory infection. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando was named his replacement.

Updated Sri Lanka squad for T20I series against India:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, (Replacement of Thushara to be named)

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