Sri Lanka‘s troubles have doubled before their T20I series against India. First, they learned that pace ace Dushmantha Chameera would miss the entire white-ball leg. Then, just hours later, it was announced that Nuwan Thushara had been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series due to a fractured left thumb.

“Nuwan Thushara, a right-arm pace bowler, will be unavailable for the upcoming T20I series after suffering a left thumb fracture during a practice session on Wednesday night. According to the medical report, Thushara suffered the injury to his left thumb while fielding during the practice,” revealed Sri Lanka Cricket.

Sri Lanka will miss the services of Thushara, who was one of their top T20I performers this year, as he has been ruled out due to injury. Dilshan Madushanka has been called up to the squad as his replacement.

Sri Lanka will be missing Chameera, who has been ruled out of the upcoming matches due to bronchitis and a respiratory infection. Pacer Asitha Fernando has been called up to the squad for the T20I series in Chameera’s absence.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka begins on July 27 with a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series starting on August 2. The T20I leg will take place at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the 50-over matches will be hosted at the R Premadasa Stadium.

The three ODI matches will be played on August 2, 4, and 7. Both teams will be playing under the guidance of new head coaches. Legendary all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the interim head coach for the Sri Lankan team. Meanwhile, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir will be taking on his first assignment as the head coach, succeeding the T20 World Cup-winning coach Rahul Dravid.