Sri Lanka have suffered a major double blow ahead of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, with Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to injuries.
Nissanka sustained a right-leg strain while fielding in the third ODI against England at The Oval, while Hasaranga has been recovering from a lower-back problem.
Both are now undergoing rehabilitation with the aim of returning for the ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and England, beginning on October 18. However, they will have to prove their fitness in a match before being considered for selection.
Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis will return as Sri Lanka captain, replacing Charith Asalanka, who led the side in England in Mendis’ absence.
Mendis is also expected to fill Nissanka’s opening position, with Kamil Mishara and Lahiru Udara likely to battle for the other opening slot.
There could be another significant change, with Sahan Arachchige potentially replacing Asalanka in the squad after his impressive recent form, although Arachchige is currently with Sri Lanka’s Asian Games team in Japan.
Dushmantha Chameera has been cleared to travel to Pakistan, subject to fitness, after missing the third ODI against England with a leg problem.
With Hasaranga out, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is the likely replacement.
Sri Lanka lost the T20I series in England 3-0, and the Pakistan series begins in Rawalpindi on October 9.
Sources: DailyFT