Sri Lanka Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya has hinted that veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal could be in line for a return to the playing XI for the third and final T20I against Bangladesh, with the series level at 1-1.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the series decider at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Jayasuriya said while Sri Lanka’s ODI setup is largely settled, there remain several areas to address in the T20 side.
Chandimal, who has been consistent in back-to-back Lanka Premier League seasons, is part of the current squad but has yet to feature in the series. With Avishka Fernando struggling, Jayasuriya suggested Chandimal could bat at any position between 1 to 4.
“We’ve been trying different combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup. Some worked, some didn’t,” Jayasuriya said, referring to the previous match where the batting order failed to deliver.
He added that strengthening the batting lineup is a priority, and hinted at the possibility of playing an additional specialist batter. He said that Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis could fill the fifth bowler’s quota, allowing the team to drop a bowling all-rounder.
Jayasuriya also confirmed that the team management has consistently requested batting-friendly wickets throughout the series and said the pitch at R. Premadasa will follow the same preparation. (Islandnews)
