Earlier this month, Chameera participated in the Sri Lanka Premier League (LPL) with the Kandy Falcons; however, he was not selected for the team as the competition came to a conclusion.
Upul Tharanga, the chief selector for Sri Lanka, stated, “Only yesterday did we get back the reports, and it can be confirmed that he will miss the T20Is and ODIs against India,” during a briefing on Wednesday alongside Sanath Jayasuriya, the recently appointed interim head coach. Jayasuriya also outlined the team’s future in T20 internationals.
What next for Angelo Mathews?
Before the T20 World Cup 2024 in June of this year, Mathews was unexpectedly called back to the T20I team in the beginning of the year. He did not make the squad to play India, though, after amassing 261 runs at a strike rate of 151.74 in the league.
Even if Mathews hasn’t given up on T20Is, Tharanga appeared to indicate that the 37-year-old was no longer taking into consideration as Sri Lanka prepared for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“When we came in [as selectors] we spoke to Angie about playing in this past World Cup, that was the plan,” Tharanga stated. “However, we talked to him again after the competition and informed him that he wouldn’t be participating in the following World Cup.
“However, he performed admirably in the little time he was in the lineup following our introduction. He also performed well as a finisher in the LPL. However, we must consider the future. We are looking at two or three new players to take over as the team’s all-arounders, as there is a major void in that position. We’ll provide them a chance and prepare them for the upcoming World CUP.
How do Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera fit in?
In the 2024 LPL, Chandimal and Perera both performed admirably, beginning the innings with respective totals of 287 and 296 runs at outstanding strike rates.
However, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis confirmed as Sri Lanka’s first-choice openers by Tharanga, there is fierce rivalry at the top of the batting order. Additionally, it’s expected that Avishka Fernando, who also had a strong LPL season, will be Kamindu Mendis’ backup at number four.

Captain Charith Asalanka will stay at number five, leaving one position available for either Chandimal or Perera at number three.
What will Sri Lanka’s attack look like against India?
Tharanga stated that Sri Lanka might field three fast bowlers since all three T20Is will be played at Pallekele, a location that has provided more bounce and pace than any other place in the nation.
The top trio may be Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Matheesha Pathirana since they each provide something unique to the powerplay and death. Another seam possibility at number six is Dasun Shanaka, with uncapped all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe acting as a backup.
Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga are expected to contribute in the spin department, while Dunith Wellalage is a backup option for Sri Lanka.
What can we expect from Jayasuriya, the coach?
Jayasuriya had a 22-year international career. He continued to play cricket after retiring in 2011 in a variety of roles. Most recently, he served as a consultant for SLC, managing the players and coaches at the high-performance center. It will be his first time leading the national team as head coach for the home series against India.
“I played for Sri Lanka for 22 years, worked under several excellent coaches, and was here as a consultant. When questioned about his new position, Jayasuriya replied, “I think whatever I can do, I will do with the side.” “Yes, I lack head coaching expertise, but I’ll give this task my best shot. Having said that, I’m only filling in temporarily; a permanent coach will be joining us shortly.”
How have Sri Lanka prepared for India?
Every player in the team participated in the just finished LPL. Having participated in one of the tournament’s legs in Pallekele, they will be used to the local circumstances.
In preparation for the series, the team is now in Kandy for a training camp and is temporarily collaborating with Zubin Bharucha, the high-performance director of the Rajasthan Royals. Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who serves as RR’s director of cricket, helped to make the transfer possible.
“It was great training with Zubin, as we did a lot of things that we had not done before,” Jayasuriya stated. We gained a great deal of knowledge from him, and I’m hoping the players have picked up some tips for better practice and methods. Therefore, I believe that the preparations have been excellent, and we still have two days left in Kandy.”
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