Sri Lanka Name Young Squad for T20I Series Against India

Sri Lanka have announced a youthful squad for the upcoming five-match women’s T20I series against India, with selectors opting to blood several young players as part of their long-term build-up to next year’s T20 World Cup in England.

The squad includes 17-year-old ambidextrous spinner Shashini Gimhani, 23-year-old seamer Kawya Kavindi, and 19-year-old fast bowler Rashmika Sewwandi, highlighting a clear shift towards developing emerging talent. While captain Chamari Athapaththu will continue to lead the side, she will be supported by a blend of youth and experience.

Veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera, 39, provides experience in an otherwise fresh-looking bowling unit. However, several senior players have been left out, including wicketkeeper-batter Anushka Sanjeewani (35), who has featured in 86 T20Is, as well as experienced bowlers Udeshika Prabodhani (39), Sugandika Kumari (33), and Achini Kulasuriya (34). All four were part of Sri Lanka’s most recent T20I squad during the tour of New Zealand in March.

Gimhani is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting prospects. Capable of bowling wristspin with either arm—though primarily left-arm wristspin—she earned selection following impressive performances against Australia Under-19 in September. She has already made an encouraging start at international level, taking six wickets from five T20Is at an economy rate of 5.53.

Kavindi brings some experience with 10 T20Is to her name, while Sewwandi, despite having played just one T20I so far, has been included as part of the future-focused selection. Left-arm spinner Nimasha Madushani, 26, is uncapped at international level and could be in line for her debut during the series.

Sri Lanka’s batting group remains largely settled, with several familiar names retained. Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika de Silva, and Kavisha Dilhari—key contributors during the recent ODI World Cup—are all included. Kaushini Nuthyangana is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in the absence of Sanjeewani.

The squad also features 24-year-old seamer Malki Madara, who has impressed in ODIs this year, and Malsha Shehani, a versatile bowling all-rounder capable of operating with both seam and spin.

The five-match T20I series will begin in Visakhapatnam on December 21, with the final two matches scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram.

Sri Lanka squad:
Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Nimesha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara.