Sri Lanka vs India: Wanindu Hasaranga doubtful for 1st T20, uncapped leggie added to SL squad

After the culmination of the three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and India, which the visitors won by the margin of 1-2, the focus now shifts towards the T20I series between the two Asian nations which will be played on 25th, 27th and 29th of July at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo.

With ICC T20 World Cup 2021 scheduled to take place later this year, both teams would be looking to ensure that their plans are in order as the T20I series is the last scheduled international series for both nations before the marquee tournament.

Wanindu Hasaranga likely to miss the first T20I against India

Sri Lanka’s right arm-leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga who missed the third ODI against India due to injury is doubtful for the first T20I match as well against the visitors. The Sri Lanka team management, however, has added uncapped leg spinner Suminda Lakshan as a cover for Hasaranga in their squad if the latter is declared unfit for the match.

If deemed fit for the first T20I against India Wanindu Hasaranga could be the X-Factor for the Sri Lankan as he troubled Indian batsman during the second ODI and ran India close almost pulling off a victory in the second ODI for his team.

 Read Also: SL vs IND 1st T20I: Possible Playing 11 of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka vs India: Who is Suminda Lakshan? 

Suminda Lakshan is a young 24-year-old leg spinner who started his domestic career at Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club. In the 11 T20 matches, the leg-spinner has scalped 5 wickets while in the 22 list A matches he has 35 wickets to his name at an impressive average of just 19.

Suminda Lakshan over the past couple of weeks has been training with Sri Lanka ‘A’ team in Dambulla and it is learned that he was one of the best bowlers during the intra-squad matches as a result of which he earned his maiden call-up for the national side.