In a surprising move by selectors, legendary pacer Lasith Malinga was not on the squad list announced by Sri Lanka for the three-match t20I series against India.
Not only Malinga, but the fast bowler Suranga Lakmal has also been left out of the squad that comprises some new faces in the 15-member personnel. Selectors have made some bold decisions and have decided to rest these two pillars of Sri Lankan cricket in exchange for some exposure to youngsters. Young Turks in Vishwa Fernando and Dasun Shanaka have replaced them in the squad.
Thisara Perera who took the captaincy from Upul Tharanga in white ball cricket during Pakistan tour will continue as a skipper in the upcoming t20s as well.
The t20I series will kick start in Cuttack on December 20 followed by matches in Indore on December 22 and will conclude on December 24 in Mumbai.
Sri Lankan squad: Thisara Perera (c), Upul Tharanga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Janith Perera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Asela Gunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Chaturanga de Silva, Sachith Pathirana, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep and Vishwa Fernando