Blind Cricket Squad Gets a Youthful Makeover, Reducing Average Age from 29 to 26

In a strategic move to rejuvenate the Blind Cricket team, the selectors have announced a refreshed 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series, marking six key changes that have effectively lowered the average age from 29.4 to 26.25.

Bidding Farewell to Seasoned Players

Bidding farewell are seasoned players Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera, Hansima Karunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani, and Achini Kulasuriya. The exclusion of Sanjeewani and Kulasuriya, in particular, has raised eyebrows, considering their recent impressive performances in the ODI series against the West Indies.

Kulasuriya’s economical spells and three-wicket haul across the first two ODIs played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run during the qualifiers. Sanjeewani, on the other hand, had bounced back from a lean patch with a match-defining 55-run knock off just 46 balls in the last ODI.

Embracing a Younger Lineup

Nonetheless, the selectors have opted for a younger lineup, with the inclusion of batting all-rounder Sewwandi and the 15-year-old debutant Shashini Gimhani, who first impressed in the qualifiers. This move has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of players over the age of 30, now down to just six.

Maintaining the Core Batting Unit

Despite these changes, the core of the batting unit remains intact, led by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu. Emerging talents like Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Nilakshi de Silva, and Kavisha Dilhari have all demonstrated their prowess during the West Indies ODIs.

Strengthening the Spin Department

The spin department continues to be a strength, with the experienced trio of Oshadi Ranasinghe, Inoshi Fernando, and Sugandika Kumari leading the charge. They will be supported by wrist-spinner Gimhani and left-arm spinner Sachini Nisansala, who is fresh off a five-wicket haul in her last ODI outing.

Seam Bowling Options and All-rounders

The seam bowling options include Ama Kanchana, Rashmika Sewwandi, and Kawya Kavindi, while Imesha Dulani and Kaushini Nuthyangana provide the wicketkeeping and all-rounder options.

The three-match T20I series against the visitors will commence on June 24 in Hambantota, with the remaining two fixtures scheduled for June 26 and 28.

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