Sri Lanka's selectors have appointed Charith Asalanka as the new captain for both ODIs and T20Is, replacing Kusal Mendis. Asalanka was already set to lead the T20I team in the ongoing series against India, following Wanindu Hasaranga's resignation after Sri Lanka's early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Previously, the same selectors had named Mendis as the ODI captain in December 2023, where he had also served in an acting capacity during several matches in the previous year's World Cup. Despite Mendis' good form with the bat and leading Sri Lanka to six victories in eight completed ODIs, the selectors decided to change leadership. Under Mendis, Sri Lanka had won five consecutive home matches against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe but suffered a 2-1 series loss in Bangladesh. Asalanka's promotion to T20I captain was anticipated after Hasaranga's departure, but the shift in ODI leadership was surprising, especially since Mendis had been in the role for a short time. Nonetheless, Asalanka has proven to be a consistent performer in ODIs, averaging 43.59 with a strike rate of 90 over 52 innings.
Additionally, Test batter Nishan Madushka, 24, has been added to the squad for the three ODIs against India scheduled for August 2, 4, and 7. Akila Dananjaya and Chamika Karunaratne have also been recalled to the team.
Seamers Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando, initially included in the T20I squad as replacements for the injured Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara, will remain for the ODI series. Left-arm spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has also been included.
The squad remains largely as expected, with Chameera sidelined due to illness and Thushara unable to play due to a fractured thumb. In addition to Madushanka and Asitha, Matheesha Pathirana is the only other specialist seamer, which makes sense given the spin-friendly nature of the Khettarama stadium in Colombo, where the matches will be held. Lahiru Kumara and Pramod Madushan, who featured in the recent ODI series against Bangladesh, have not been included.
On the spin-bowling front, Sri Lanka has a strong lineup with Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dananjaya, and Wellalage, along with part-time options like Kamindu Mendis and Asalanka himself.
The top order is expected to feature Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Mendis. Despite recent strong performances in T20s, Kusal Perera has not been selected. The middle-order options include Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, and Kamindu, with Captain Asalanka likely to bat at No. 5.