Sri Lanka’s speedy bowler, Dushmantha Chameera, won’t play in the next T20I series versus India, starting July 27. He’s working on getting better from bronchitis and a respiratory infection. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) team has notified everyone about this decision. Chameera’s health concerns stop him from joining in the series.
Read on: ICC Monitoring Situation in Bangladesh for Women’s T20 World Cup
Dushmantha Chameera and his constant battle with injury
Dushmantha Chameera is recognized for his rapid speed and power in making batsmen nervous, and is a key asset in Sri Lanka’s bowling squad. His T20I record boasts 55 wickets and an economy rate of 8.09, evidencing his consistent top-notch performance. His professional journey, however, has been disrupted by continual injuries, which frequently benched him.
From 2022, his health-related mishaps included a calf problem that withdrew him from the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
A subsequent shoulder injury sidelined him from the 2023 Asia Cup. Although Chameera initially wasn’t picked for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, he backfilled Matheesha Pathirana’s spot.
This year, he had to abandon the Afghanistan and Bangladesh home series halfway due to a quadriceps injury. Despite his selection for the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, he was unseen in any national team games.
Recent Performances and Setbacks
Dushmantha Chameera was in Lanka Premier League (LPL), playing five games for Kandy Falcons. But, he didn’t play in later games, illustrating his fitness struggles. His knack for quick speed and challenging batsmen in T20 cricket is known. These continuous health problems, however, have stopped him from often showing his talent on the global stage.
Asitha Fernando Steps In for Dushmantha Chameera
Asitha Fernando will be stepping in for the T20I series versus India instead of Dushmantha Chameera. Fernando, new with just three T20I games, proved his worth in the recent Lanka Premier League (LPL) final. He took home the win with a 3 for 35, including outs of Seifert, Liyanage, and Rajapaksa. His performance was 7 wickets in 9 games for the LPL, an economy rate of only 9.71. Still, joining the national team, he has a shot at shaking things up on the international stage.
Sri Lanka’s Squad for the India Series
The updated Sri Lankan squad for the T20I series against India is as follows:
- 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
- Nuwan Thushara
- Asitha Fernando
- Binura Fernando
Looking Ahead
Sri Lanka is gearing up to play India. They’ll surely miss Dushmantha Chameera, his speed and knowledge. Still, it’s a chance for other players to shine and get noticed worldwide. Keeping an eye on Chameera’s recovery is a must since Sri Lanka’s future games rely on him being back at full strength. Team leaders and fans eagerly await his fiery, fast return to the field.
Meanwhile, Asitha Fernando joining the team brings a new angle. His actions during the forthcoming series will be closely watched. Sri Lanka’s cricket story pushes on, alongside hurdles and chances carving the road forward.
Bet on Sri Lanka vs India series with JeetWin.
