T20 World Cup 2021: Five players, including Minod Bhanuka, Ramesh Mendis, added in Sri Lanka squad

In what can be called a major announcement, Sri Lanka have made as many as five new additions to their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021. Minod Bhanuka, Ramesh Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Lakshan Sandakan, and Ashen Bandara have been added to the original squad for the showpiece event. Speaking of the players going out, all-rounder Lahiru Madushanka was named in the initially announced squad. However, an injury has prevented his participation.

Wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka and batters Ramesh Mendis and Pathum Nissanka were part of the home series against South Africa. However, they returned with underwhelming performances and consequently, weren’t selected in the initially announced squad. Ashen Bandara last played in the series win against India, while Lakshan Sandakan’s previous outing for the national side came in July in England.

Sri Lanka to leave for Oman on October 3

Hence, the new additions haven’t been in exciting form lately. However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have showed faith in them and it would be interesting to see how they’ll perform. With the new players coming in, Sri Lanka’s squad is studded with 23 players. All-rounder Dasun Shanka will lead the side and he’ll have a job in hand. It also must be noted that the Lankan side will leave for Oman on October 3.

Notably, Sri Lanka are set to play a couple of T20Is against hosts Oman before kick-starting their campaign. It will indeed give them a great preparation opportunity. As far as their campaign in the global event is concerned, they’ll meet Namibia on October 18. With Sri Lanka not being among the top eight teams, they’ll have to go past the qualifying stage in order to get a place in the Super 12.

Expectations aren’t really high from the Lankan side as they haven’t done well lately. However, the likes of Dhananjaya De Silva and Kusal Perara are proven stars of this format and would be raring to do well.

Sri Lanka squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Dasun Shanaka (C), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrema, Maheesh Theekshana, Minod Bhanuka, Ramesh Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Lakshan Sandakan, Ashen Bandara

Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga