SL vs BAN 2025: 'Chandimal is an asset' - Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya on veteran's return to T20I squad

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya admitted he had expected one of the top three batters to play through the innings to post a competitive score ahead of today’s decisive game at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The three-match T20I series is currently tied 1-1, with the final match scheduled for Wednesday, July 16.

The head coach also expressed concerns about the top-order batting and emphasized the need to finalize the line-up ahead of the next T20 World Cup, slated to be held at home alongside co-hosts India in the year 2026. This focus influenced the inclusion of Dinesh Chandimal, whom he hinted may be deployed at the crucial No. 3 position.

“Chandimal is back in the T20 squad following a 3-year sidelining, and importantly we have identified the value input this very experienced batsman packs. He has been an asset to Sri Lanka performing well at test match level where the satisfying factor about him has been that he has done exactly what we expect of him for the team. Therefore, I believe that Chandimal is a player capable of taking on responsibility to maximise his contribution with the bat and would be an asset to the team,” said Jayasuriya in a release by Sri Lanka Cricket.

The hard-hitting opener Avishka Fernando made a much-anticipated return after a long absence. Notably, he scored a crucial century in the 2019 World Cup when others faltered, one of only two World Cup hundreds by Sri Lankan batters, alongside Angelo Mathews.

“Avishka is a very talented batsman with every skill. There is no doubt about his skill. But the unfortunate thing is that Avishka’s failure has been mental rather than skill, and then that is a problem,” expressed the former all-rounder.

Furthermore, Dunith Wellalage has been kept under wraps and not given consistent opportunities, despite proving to be a match-winner at the Premadasa Stadium. The head coach explained that Wellalage’s inclusion largely depends on the pitch conditions. He remains optimistic that the team is focused on atoning for their previous defeat and is determined to optimize their performance.