India vs Sri Lanka: Sangakkara Among Four Players Going Home; Mendis, Chandimal to Bolster Visitors
Having lost the ODI series versus India 3-0, Sri Lanka are realigning their squad for the last two ODIs. Kumar Sangakkara is among four players being sent back.
Kumar Sangakkara, out of form by his lofty standards, is being sent back home after Sri Lanka lost the third ODI versus India in Hyderabad on Sunday. Sangakkara will be joined by Dhammika Prasad, Suraj Randiv and Upul Tharanga on the flight back to Colombo as Sri Lanka bring in fresh and experienced legs for the remaining two ODIs.
Sri Lanka, who have been outplayed in every match so far, are bringing in Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Ajantha Mendis and Shaminda Eranga as the visitors aim to salvage pride in the last two games in Kolkata (November 13) and Ranchi (November 16). (Also Read: Mathews Slams Teammates After Repeated Mistakes)
Sangakkara was reluctant to play the five-match ODI series when it was hurriedly arranged last month between the cricket Boards of India and Sri Lanka. The former Sri Lankan captain said the series interfered with the training schedule leading up to the World Cup early next year. Sangakkara's lack of intent reflected on his performance. (Read: Ishant Suffering From Back Stiffness)
The left-handed Sangakkara, who scored a first-ball duck in Hyderabad on Sunday, managed all of 74 runs in three innings. Sri Lanka failed to get the starts from the 37-year-old that they are normally used to. Effectively, India were on a roll in every game.
Sri Lanka are clearly on an 'experiment' mode. Chandimal, Thirimanne and Mendis are all tested customers and their not being on the first squad is itself a surprise. The last two matches should at least see some contest.