In a significant setback for the Sri Lankan cricket team, their ace pacer Dushmantha Chameera has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against India due to a recurring ankle injury. Chameera, who holds the record for the most wickets against India in T20Is, will be sorely missed as Sri Lanka gears up for the three-match series starting on July 27 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
SOURCE : ZEE
Chameera’s absence is a major blow to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. Known for his pace and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, Chameera has been a consistent performer against India. His record of 23 wickets in 13 T20Is against India underscores his importance to the team. The Sri Lankan cricket board confirmed that Chameera’s injury, which he sustained during the recent ODI series against Pakistan, has not healed sufficiently, necessitating his withdrawal from the squad.
Source:- news 18
With Chameera sidelined, the onus will fall on other bowlers to step up. The likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Lahiru Kumara will need to shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack. Hasaranga, in particular, has been in excellent form and will be crucial in providing the much-needed breakthroughs in the middle overs. Theekshana’s spin and Kumara’s pace will also be pivotal in containing the strong Indian batting line-up.
On the other hand, the Indian team, led by newly appointed T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, will look to capitalize on Chameera’s absence. The Indian squad, which includes several members of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, is brimming with confidence. Suryakumar, known for his aggressive batting style, will be keen to make a mark in his first series as captain.
India’s batting line-up, featuring the likes of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, will be eager to exploit the weakened Sri Lankan bowling attack. The Indian bowlers, led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh, will also look to maintain their dominance over the Sri Lankan batsmen.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara expressed his concerns over Chameera’s absence, stating, “Dushmantha Chameera has been a key player for Sri Lanka, especially against India. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments will be missed. However, this is an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and make a name for themselves”.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar also weighed in, saying, “Chameera’s injury is unfortunate for Sri Lanka, but it gives India a slight edge. The Indian team is in great form, and with Suryakumar Yadav at the helm, they will be looking to dominate the series”.
As the series approaches, both teams will be keen to put their best foot forward. For Sri Lanka, overcoming the loss of Chameera will be a significant challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for emerging players to shine. For India, the series will be a chance to build on their recent successes and continue their winning momentum.
The first T20I match is set to take place on July 27, followed by the second and third matches on July 28 and July 30, respectively. All matches will be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, promising exciting cricketing action for fans.
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