Even before the start of their India series, Sri Lanka suffered a major setback as star fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera was ruled out of the entire series. Just three days prior to the opening T20I in Pallekele, Sri Lanka Cricket announced that Chameera was still recovering from the bronchitis and respiratory infection that had sidelined him for the latter half of the Lanka Premier League.

“Dushmantha Chameera is still recovering from a recent bout of bronchitis and a respiratory infection, and will therefore miss the upcoming T20I series,” stated Sri Lanka Cricket.

Sri Lanka’s chief selector Upul Tharanga confirmed earlier today that Chameera would not be part of the upcoming six-match series against India. As a result, Asitha Fernando has been announced as Chameera’s replacement.

“The reports received yesterday confirm that Dushmantha Chameera will be unavailable for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against India,” stated Chameera to the press.

The 32-year-old debuted in 2015 and bowls at a brisk pace but has endured a career plagued by persistent injuries.

Chameera has played 12 Tests, 52 ODIs, and 55 T20 matches, claiming 32, 56, and 55 wickets respectively. However, he missed several key tournaments due to injuries. He sat out the last few Kandy Falcons matches in the recent Lanka Premier League. He also missed the Asia Cup 2022 and the T20 World Cup in Australia that year due to a calf injury. In 2023, a shoulder injury kept him out of the Asia Cup as well. Chameera was initially not selected for the ODI World Cup squad last year, but was later named as a replacement after fellow pacer Matheesha Pathirana got injured.