(Cricket news) The former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka has been dropped from the Sri Lankan squad for their ODI series against Afghanistan. Shanaka was a part of the squad which faced Zimbabwe earlier but has been omitted from the upcoming series.

Shanaka’s form has been a concern and is under scanner for the past few years. Over the last two years, the 32-year-old has only scored 584 runs from 32 innings at an average of 20.13, while the strike-rate of 87.55. His numbers are pretty ordinary given that he is one of the primary finishers in the Sri Lankan squad. His numbers in the ODI World Cup were also unimpressive, before he was ruled out due to an injury.

Dhananjaya de Silva is another senior player who has not been considered for the upcoming series. He has not been a part of the Sri Lankan ODI squad since the 2023 World Cup.

The likes of Pathum Nissanka, the opening batsman and Chamika Karunaratne are back in the squad to face the Afghan challenge. Nissanka missed the recent series against Zimbabwe due to injury, and is now back in the squad.

Kusal Mendis will continue to lead the side, with Charith Asalanka as his deputy. Jeffrey Vandersay misses out from the squad, while Karunaratne has been brought back to the team to add more balance.

All the games in the series will be played at the Pallekele International Stadium on February 9, 11 and 14.

Squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Sahan Arachchige, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, and Shevon Daniel.

ALSO READ : Super Kings registers a dominating win over Royals in the Eliminator