Sri Lanka’s Chameera Ruled Out of India Series, Mathews Dropped from T20I Squad
Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been ruled out of the upcoming home series against India due to an injury. The news was confirmed by Sri Lanka’s chief selector Upul Tharanga, who stated that Chameera will miss both the T20Is and ODIs.
Chameera’s absence is a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, as he is one of their most experienced and reliable bowlers. It is unclear when or how Chameera sustained the injury, but he was not picked in the Kandy Falcons side towards the end of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) earlier this month.
Tharanga said that a replacement for Chameera will be named shortly, with Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, or Kasun Rajitha likely to be in contention.
In other team news, Angelo Mathews has been left out of the T20I squad despite his impressive performances in the LPL. Tharanga confirmed that Mathews is no longer being considered for the next T20 World Cup in 2026.
“We need to look to the future,” Tharanga said. “There’s a big gap to fill when it comes to an allrounder in the side – we have about two-three new players in mind to slot into that role.”
Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera, who both had excellent performances in the LPL, are also not guaranteed a place in the starting XI. Tharanga confirmed that Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are the first-choice openers, with Kamindu Mendis likely to slot in at no.4.
Captain Charith Asalanka will remain at no. 5, which leaves one spot – at no.3 – for either Chandimal or Perera.
With the T20Is being played in Pallekele, a venue that has offered more pace and bounce than anywhere else in the country, Tharanga said Sri Lanka could play three fast bowlers. Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Matheesha Pathirana could be the first-choice combination, with Dasun Shanaka as another seam option at no. 6.
On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will play, with Dunith Wellalage an option if Sri Lanka want an extra spinner.
Sanath Jayasuriya, who has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s interim head coach, said he will try his best to help the team succeed.
“I don’t have experience as a head coach, but I will try and do my best with this challenge,” Jayasuriya said. “That said, I’m only in the role on an interim basis, so we will have a permanent coach coming in soon.”
Sri Lanka have been preparing for the India series by playing in the LPL and having a training camp in Kandy. They have also been working with Rajasthan Royals high-performance director, Zubin Bharucha, on a short-term basis.
