Sun Oct 13 13:43:35 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Announces Squad for West Indies T20I Series, Including Returning Star Bhanuka Rajapaksa

**Colombo, Sri Lanka** – Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, with the inclusion of star batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa. The series, scheduled to begin on October 13th, will see Sri Lanka looking to bounce back after their early exit from the T20 World Cup.

Rajapaksa, 32, returns to the national side after a period of absence due to fitness concerns. He last played a T20I for Sri Lanka in January 2023. He impressed in the recent Caribbean Premier League (CPL), playing a vital role in Saint Lucia Kings’ championship victory. Notably, he scored an unbeaten 68 in a successful 202-run chase against the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Along with Rajapaksa, leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay makes a comeback as well. Vandersay’s last T20I appearance was in February 2022, but his recent form in the ODI series against India (where he claimed 8 wickets in two matches) has earned him a spot in the squad.

Charith Asalanka will lead the team, while Wanindu Hasaranga, who stepped down from captaincy after Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup exit, will spearhead the spin attack alongside Maheesh Theekshana, Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage.

The T20I series will be played at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo on October 13th, 15th, and 17th.

**Sri Lanka Squad:**

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chaminda Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando.

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