Ambidextrous spinner Gimhani named in SL's new-look squad for India T20Is

Sri Lanka has announced a youthful squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, signaling a strategic shift towards nurturing young talent ahead of next year's T20 World Cup in England.

Among the new faces are 17-year-old Shashini Gimhani, an ambidextrous spinner, along with 23-year-old seamer Kawya Kavindi, and 19-year-old Rashmika Sewwandi. While these players represent a new generation, the squad retains experienced campaigners such as 39-year-old spinner Inoka Ranaweera, and a top order that has gained significant experience.

Several senior players have been omitted from the squad. These include wicketkeeper-batter Anushka Sanjeewani (35), who has 86 T20I appearances, as well as Udeshika Prabodhani (39), Sugandika Kumari (33), and Achini Kulasuriya (34). All three were part of the team that toured New Zealand for a T20I series in March.

Gimhani, a promising young talent for Sri Lanka, is known for her ability to bowl wrist spin with either arm, though she primarily bowls left-arm wrist spin. Her inclusion in the squad follows impressive performances against Australia Under-19 in September. She has already played five senior international T20Is, taking six wickets with an economy rate of 5.53.

Kavindi also brings some experience, having played 10 T20Is. Sewwandi has a single T20I appearance, although she did not bowl in that match. Left-arm spinner Nimasha Madushani, 26, is uncapped at the international level.

While the bowling attack features fresh faces, the batting lineup includes familiar names. Hasini Perera, Vishmi Giunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika de Silva, and Kavisha Dilhari, all key players in the recent ODI World Cup, have been selected. Kaushini Nuthyangana is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in Sanjeewani's absence.

Seamer Malki Madara, 24, who has impressed in ODIs this year, is also included, along with Malsha Shehani, a versatile player who bowls both seam and spin.

The five-match T20I series will commence on December 21 in Visakhapatnam, with the final two matches held 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