Mendis unlikely to play in 1st T20I

By Bipin Dani

Sri Lanka’s 25-year-old right-hand batsman Kusal Mendis is unlikely to find a place in the playing XI for the first Twenty20 International against India which is scheduled for January 5 in Guwahati.

“The inclusion of out of form Mendis was not done at the insistence of the Head Coach (Mickey Arthur) but it was well discussed by all selectors and the captain,” one of the sources, who was present in the Selection Committee Meeting, said yesterday. 

“He (Mendis) may not play the first match but he has been included in the team to enable him to regain confidence. Our coaching staff will motivate him during this tour,” the source further added. 

Meanwhile, the National Selectors have not named the vice-captain for the tour. 

“We will name the vice-captain depending upon the form of the players, if that situation arises.” 

“The team management will name the vice-captain and the selectors’ approval will not be needed then,” the Team Manager and the Tour Selector Ashantha De Mel explained yesterday. 

The Sri Lanka Team is scheduled to leave for Guwahati (via Chennai) at 7.00 a.m. today. 

Sri Lanka T20I Squad: 

• Lasith Malinga (Captain)
• Danushka Gunathilaka
• Avishka Fernando
• Angelo Mathews
• Dasun Shanaka
• Kusal Perera
• Niroshan Dickwella
•  Dhananjaya de Silva
• Isuru Udana
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa
• Oshada Fernando
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Lahiru Kumara
• Kusal Mendis
• Lakshan Sandakan
• Kasun Rajitha