The national selectors have named a strong 15-man squad to take on India in the forthcoming five-match ODI series which starts on 20th August in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka were whitewashed, 3-0 by India in the recent Test series while their last ODI assignment against Zimbabwe at home ended, 3-2 in favour of the visitors.

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Left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara and left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando have received maiden ODI call-ups after being a part of the Test squad against the Indians while middle order batsman, Chamara Kapugedara, spin all-rounder Milinda Siriwardena and fast bowling all-rounder Thisara Perera have been recalled into the squad after missing out against Zimbabwe.

“Every team goes through a rough patch, this is something that happens in cycles to every team and every nation no matter how great a cricketing nation they are. Sri Lanka dominated in all three formats for a good 18 years – don’t forget this now when we are going through a rough patch. Sri Lanka have always been stronger in our white-ball format, and I am confident that we will come out strong and beat India. We have the talent, we have the skill. We have been putting in the hard work, we just need the spirit, and for that we need your support too.” Sri Lanka white-ball captain Upul Tharanga said in a SLC communique.

Siriwardena last played against Bangladesh earlier this year while Kapugedara’s Champions Trophy campaign was cut short by an injury. Thisara Perera was dropped after a forgettable Champions Trophy in United Kingdom in June and has since then been playing for Gloucestershire in the Natwest T20 Blast.

Asela Gunarathne, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal and Kusal Janith Perera were not considered due to their injuries while veteran seamer Nuwan Kulasekara and young fast-bowler Asitha Fernando have been dropped from the squad which played against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka ODI squad

Upul Tharanga (Captain), Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Milinda Siriwardana, Malinda Pushpakumara, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando.