Sri Lanka announce Dasun Shanaka-led squad for white-ball series against India
Colombo, Jul 16: Dasun Shanaka on Friday became the 10th Sri Lankan captain in the past four years when he was named skipper of a 23-member squad for the six-match white ball series against India starting here on July 18.
The squad was announced by Sri Lanka Cricket after getting formal approval from sports minister Namal Rajapaksa, who is the son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Recently sacked captain Kusal Janith Perera will be missing due to a knee injury along with left-arm pacer Binura Fernando, nursing an ankle injury.
The good news post batting coach Grant Flower and data analyst GT Niroshan's positive COVID test is that no other England-returned cricketer tested positive.
The experienced players like vice-captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dhananjaya, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera are all part of the squad with exciting batting talents like Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Charith Asalanka to name a few.
The SLC has managed to put up their first team on the park despite a dispute over central contracts because of which senior player Angelo Mathews pulled out citing "personal reasons".
There is left arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan also in the squad.
The series begins on Sunday with the one-dayers.
Squad: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Dhananjaya De Silva (Vice Captain), Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashen Bandara, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Udara, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dhananjaya, Shiran Fernando, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Praveen Jayawickrema, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana.
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Centre prepared to bring back Indians stranded in West Asia: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
Bengaluru (PTI): The Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Monday.
In a statement, Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.
“Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority,” he said.
Joshi said information has been received about Kannadigas facing hardship due to the severity of the Iran–Israel conflict, and urgent consultations have been held with senior ministers to take necessary measures for their protection.
Reassuring anxious families, the Minister said there was no need to panic and that the government is committed to bringing back all Indians safely.
He noted that air travel in war-affected regions is currently risky and expert advice is being sought before taking further steps.
Joshi said efforts are also underway to assist those stranded in Dubai, where flight operations have been affected.
“No one should be anxious. Serious efforts are being made to bring them back safely,” he added.
