Sri Lanka ODI Squad: Who’s In, Who’s Out and What It Means

If you’ve been following international cricket, you know the Sri Lankan side has been in a rebuilding phase. The board just announced the latest ODI squad and fans are already debating the picks. Let’s break down the squad, highlight the players you should watch, and see how the team stacks up for the upcoming series.

Core of the Squad – Experience Meets Youth

The selectors kept a solid core of seasoned campaigners. Kusal Mendis gets the nod as the top‑order anchor. After a strong domestic run and a couple of gritty innings in recent ODIs, he’s primed to provide stability. Alongside him, Dhananjaya de Silva continues as the versatile middle‑order option, offering both stroke‑play and handy part‑time spin.

Fast bowling is where the team shows promise. Dilhan Madushanka and Kasun Rajitha both earned places thanks to their ability to swing the new ball and pick early wickets. The fast‑bowling department also features the raw pace of Binura Fernando, who’s been a surprise threat in the domestic circuit.

The spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Vishwa Fernando rounds out the attack. Hasaranga’s all‑round skills—especially his death‑overs bowling—make him a must‑have, while Vishwa brings control and variation in the middle overs.

New Faces and Bye‑Week Surprises

One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of Charith Asalanka after his impressive series against England. His ability to rotate the strike and hit boundaries in the slog‑over makes him a potential game‑changer.

On the flip side, a few familiar names missed out. Milinda Siriwardana and Jackson Tharanga weren’t selected, likely due to recent form dips. The board seems to be betting on younger talent to inject fresh energy.

Wicket‑keeping duties go to Kusal Perera, who’s back after a brief injury lay‑off. His aggressive batting style suits the modern ODI tempo, and his experience behind the stumps offers stability.

Overall, the squad blends experience with a handful of newcomers hungry to prove themselves. The mix should give Sri Lanka enough depth to compete in both the middle order and the final overs.

What’s next for the team? The upcoming tri‑series in the UAE will be a real test. It’s a chance for the new players to gel and for the veterans to set the tone. If the bowlers can keep the opposition to under 260 and the top order builds partnerships of 80‑plus, Sri Lanka could pull off a few upsets.

Keep an eye on match‑day squads, because injuries and form can shuffle the line‑up quickly. The board has hinted at a possible rotation policy for the series to manage workloads, especially for the pacers.

In short, the Sri Lanka ODI squad looks balanced, competitive, and ready to surprise. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a casual follower, the upcoming games promise plenty of cricketing drama. Stay tuned for live scores, player stats, and post‑match analysis – all right here on NewsBuzzIndia.