Sri Lanka's Nuwan Thushara Sidelined From T20I Series Against India Due To Injury

Sri Lanka has faced another setback before their T20I series against India with the injury of Nuwan Thushara. The pacer, known for his slinging action similar to Lasith Malinga, hurt his thumb during a fielding practice session.

Scans have confirmed a fracture on Nuwan Thushara's left thumb. Consequently, left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been named as his replacement for the three T20I matches. The series is set to begin on Saturday, July 27.

"Nuwan Thushara will not take part in the T20I series, as the player suffered an injury to his left thumb while fielding during practices last night. A medical report obtained shows a fracture on the player's left thumb. Dilshan Madushanka comes into the squad as a replacement for Nuwan Thushara," Sri Lanka Cricket said in its release.

Previously, Dushmantha Chameera was ruled out of the series due to an unresolved bronchitis and respiratory infection. Asitha Fernando has been named as his replacement.

Sri Lanka will be led by new captain Charith Asalanka after Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down following Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup 2024 disappointment. Senior batter Dinesh Chandimal has been recalled and is expected to play his first T20I match since February 2022.

The selectors have made significant changes by dropping former captain Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dilshan Madhushanka have also been omitted from the squad. New inclusions are Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Binura Fernando, and Avishka Fernando.

Sri Lanka squad for T20I series vs India: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando