Sri Lanka Cricket’s announcement of the squads for the upcoming Tri-Nation ‘A’ Series and Four-Day matches against India ‘A’ has generated discussion, with the omission of promising 20-year-old batter Sharujan Shammuganathan emerging as one of the biggest talking points.
The young left-hander was among the standout performers in the recently concluded National Super League, scoring 226 runs in just four innings. His tally included a magnificent 145, the highest individual score of the tournament, underlining his growing reputation as one of the country’s most exciting batting prospects.
Despite those performances, Sharujan failed to secure a place in either the One-Day or Four-Day squads announced by the national selectors.
Instead, the selectors opted to recall experienced campaigner Niroshan Dickwella, who will turn 33 on June 23. Dickwella has been named vice-captain of both squads and returns to the Sri Lanka pathway after spending considerable time away from the national setup.
All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne has also earned a recall, returning to the One-Day squad as Sri Lanka ‘A’ prepare to face India ‘A’ and Afghanistan ‘A’ in the Tri-Nation tournament in Dambulla.
While experience appears to have been a key consideration for the selectors, Sharujan’s omission is likely to fuel debate among followers of domestic cricket. The youngster has consistently impressed at age-group level and continued that form in the National Super League, making a strong case for higher honours.
The Sri Lanka ‘A’ programme has traditionally served as a pathway to the national team, with strong performances often rewarded with opportunities against quality opposition. The upcoming series against India ‘A’ and Afghanistan ‘A’ will provide valuable preparation for those selected, but many observers will be left wondering what more Sharujan needed to do to earn a place.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ begin their Tri-Nation One-Day campaign in Dambulla on June 9 before taking on India ‘A’ in a two-match Four-Day series in Galle later this month.
🏏 Sri Lanka ‘A’ One-Day Squad
Niroshan Dickwella (VC & WK), Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama (WK), Sahan Arachchige (C), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanuja Sahan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Mohamed Shiraz, Dulaj Samuditha, Vishen Halambage, Ravindu Fernando, Chamika Gunasekara, Garuka Sanketh, Kugadas Mathulan.
🏏 Sri Lanka ‘A’ Four-Day Squad
Pawantha Weerasinghe, Sohan de Livera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige (C), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Niroshan Dickwella (VC & WK), Ravindu Fernando, Kavindu Pathiratne, Dilum Sudeera, Mohamed Shiraz, Chamika Gunasekara, Keshara Nuwantha, Dulaj Samuditha, Praveen Maneesha, Asanka Manoj.
