Fast bowler and T20I captain Lasith Malinga, all-rounder Angelo Mathews, spinner Rangana Herath and fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep are all set to be rested from the Sri Lanka team for the T20I series against India in February, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Dinesh Chandimal is expected to continue leading the side in the absence of the seniors. Malinga has been recovering from a knee injury for a while, and it is learnt that he has failed to recover in time for the India series. He is expected to return to action in the Asia Cup.
India and Sri Lanka are set to lock horns in a series of three T20Is in February. The teams will face off in the series before heading to the Asia Cup later in the month and then to the World T20 in March.
The first Twenty20 will be played at Pune on February 9, Delhi will hold the second game on February 12 and the final T20 will be played at Vishakhapatnam on February 14.
Side to wear young look
Mathews has been suffering from a groin strain, the reason why he did not bowl much in the New Zealand series. His injury is less severe though, and it is thought that he will only be rested to give him time to regain full fitness.
Pradeep and Herath have both picked up injuries in the Premier T20 tournament, a domestic meet. Pradeep has pulled his hamstring while Herath has pulled his side muscle.
Sri Lanka Cricket sources have said that all four seniors are to be rested for the India series, and youngsters who have performed well in the recently concluded domestic tournament would be selected instead.
They have also said that a provisional 30-man squad will be picked in a couple of days for the World T20. Also, the team that will play in the Asia Cup T20 will be the same one to play in the World T20.
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