Sri Lanka lose Mendis and Fernando as Asalanka leads England T20Is with replacements.
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What a turn of events for Sri Lanka!
They have been forced to make late changes to their England T20I squad after naming the touring party just days ago.
Captain Kusal Mendis and fast bowler Binura Fernando will miss the three-match T20I series in England due to injuries. Charith Asalanka will now lead Sri Lanka in the T20Is.
The changes come at a crucial time with Sri Lanka heading into a white-ball tour, and England waiting at home.
Mendis and Fernando Ruled Out
Both players are currently recovering from injuries they sustained in the Lanka Premier League 2026.
Mendis has a right hamstring injury, while Fernando is battling a back injury. Sri Lanka Cricket said both players are currently in the rehabilitation process.
The timing of the news is quite surprising. This injury news is out two days after announcing the final squad for the series.
Here are the key changes:
- Kusal Mendis will miss the T20I series.
- Binura Fernando is also unavailable.
- Pavan Rathnayake replaces Mendis.
- Dilshan Madushanka replaces Fernando.
- Charith Asalanka becomes T20I captain.
There is also one important point about Mendis. He remains part of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad, according to the ICC update. His availability for those matches will be something to watch. (icc)
Asalanka Gets Another Big Job
With Mendis out, Charith Asalanka has been given the captain’s role.
Asalanka was already named vice-captain for Sri Lanka’s England tour. He now has to lead the T20I team against England.
This is not completely new for him. He has already had leadership experience with Sri Lanka. Now he gets another chance to guide the team on a big overseas tour.
Asalanka also comes into the series with recent T20 cricket experience. He has been playing in the CPL 2026 for St Lucia Kings, giving him useful match practice before the England games.
That could help him settle into his new role quickly.
Two New Names Join The Team
Sri Lanka have moved quickly to fill the two empty places.
Pavan Rathnayake comes into the T20I squad for Mendis. He is a top-order batter and was already selected for Sri Lanka’s ODI team. Now he gets an unexpected chance in the shorter format too.
Dilshan Madushanka replaces Binura Fernando. The left-arm fast bowler moves into the T20I group after being selected for the Test squad against India.
Updated Sri Lanka T20I Squad
- Charith Asalanka (captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Lahiru Udara
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Dasun Shanaka
- Dunith Wellalage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Tharindu Rathnayake
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Eshan Malinga
- Nuwan Thushara
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Dilshan Madushanka
Why This Matters
Not a good time to face such an incident of a captain losing his place just before a series in another country, where he was supposed to lead the team.
Asalanka is expected to lead the team now. Fortunately, there are senior players in the squad such as Hasaranga, Shanaka and Theekshana who have considerable experience, as well as the replacements having an opportunity to showcase their talent.
The three T20I matches will be held between the two teams in England:
- September 15 (Southampton)
- September 17 (Cardiff)
- September 19 (Manchester)
Sri Lanka will be hoping that the new team will not fail under the pressure.
But for Asalanka, this series is a huge chance to prove that he can lead the team in case of an unlucky event such as losing the captain for any reason.
So, could Asalanka lead the team to a good T20I series in England despite losing the captain, Mendis?
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