Sri Lanka Cricket faces a major setback as fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been ruled out of the upcoming white-ball series against India due to bronchitis and respiratory infection. The team has named Asitha Fernando as his replacement for the three T20Is and three ODIs scheduled against India.
"Only yesterday did we get back the reports, and it can be confirmed that he will miss the T20Is and ODIs against India," said Upul Tharanga, Sri Lanka's Chief Selector, during a press conference on Wednesday.
Asitha Fernando, who has been in good form in the recently-concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, will step in for Chameera. Playing for the Jaffna Kings, Fernando took 3/35 in the final, helping his team secure their fourth title against the Galle Marvels. Throughout the LPL, the 26-year-old picked up 10 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 9.61.
Primarily used in the red-ball format, Fernando will look to establish himself in Sri Lanka's white-ball setup. Despite having a variety of options in both pace and spin departments, Sri Lanka will face a formidable challenge against an Indian side that has been dominant across all formats over the past 18 months.
Sri Lanka will also embark on a new era of leadership, with Charith Asalanka named as the new T20I captain following Wanindu Hasaranga's decision to step down earlier this month.
As the team prepares for the series against India, Fernando's inclusion will be pivotal as they aim to perform well against a strong opponent.