(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has officially announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, starting on October 5th.
Amid recent online reports claiming that Dasun Shanaka would step down from the captaincy role before the World Cup, it is now confirmed that he will continue to lead the Sri Lankan side in the marquee event.
The major takeaway from the squad is the exclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga, who is set to miss the World Cup 2023, as he still recovering from a thigh strain that he picked up in the later stages of the Lanka Premier League 2023.
The inclusion of Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madhushanka has grabbed eyeballs as they were said to be from injuries.
Theekshana suffered a hamstring tear during the Asia Cup 2023 match against Pakistan, while the left-arm pacer Madhushanka tore an oblique muscle.
The rest of the players remain the same as in the Asia Cup 2023 squad. Wicket-keeper and vice-captain Kusal Mendis along with Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera and Sadeera Samarawickrama are the batters. Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dushan Hemantha and Dunith Wellalage are the all-rounders in the 15-player squad. The list of bowlers include Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Theekshana and Madhushanka.
The 27-year-old Chamika Karunaratne have been named as a reserve player.
Sri Lanka will start their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Delhi on the 7th of October.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dilshan Madhushanka.
Reserve – Chamika Karunaratne