Huge blow for Sri Lanka ahead of first T20I against India, Binura Fernando in hospital for this reason, doubtful for season opener

The much-awaited T20I series between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 27, with all three matches scheduled to be played at Pallekele. However, Sri Lanka’s preparations have been marred by setbacks, this time with fast bowler Binura Fernando the latest victim.

Fernando, who was in exceptional form during the Lanka Premier League, is doubtful for the series opener due to illness. He has been admitted to hospital with a chest infection. Given Fernando’s uncertain status, Sri Lanka have named Ramesh Mendis as a reserve for the T20I series against India. The team is waiting for Fernando’s recovery to determine his availability for the remaining matches.

His possible absence would be a major setback for Sri Lanka as he would join Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera on the sidelines. Despite the absence of key bowlers, Sri Lanka have managed to find suitable replacements in the form of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

Fernando’s ability to excel in both powerplays and death overs made him a key asset to the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

Sri Lanka under new leadership after disappointing World Cup

Sri Lanka will go into the T20I series against India in a transitional period. After a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, head coach Chris Silverwood and captain Wanindu Hasaranga have resigned. Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as interim coach, while Charith Asalanka will lead the team as captain.

Sri Lanka’s T20I squad:

Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana , Dunith Welage.

India’s T20I squad:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (F/C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.

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