Chamari Athapaththu Out: Sri Lanka Go Young for Emerging Nations Trophy
Sri Lanka names a youthful 14-member squad for the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy in UAE, leaving out veteran star Chamari Athapaththu.
In a move that signals a potential shift in leadership and a focus on the future, Sri Lanka has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming Women's Emerging Nations Trophy. The most striking detail of the announcement is the absence of veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, the long-standing pillar of the national side, who has been left out of the team traveling to the UAE.
A New Era of Leadership
With Athapaththu missing from the roster, the selectors have handed the reins to Harshitha Samarawickrama, who will lead the side as captain. Supporting her in the leadership role is Kavisha Dilhari, who has been named the vice-captain. This transition is being viewed as a strategic step by Sri Lanka to prepare a new generation of players for a future beyond the influence of their most experienced cricketer.
Athapaththu is not the only established name missing from the list. Other players left out of the squad include Hansima Karunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani, Nimasha Meepage, Kawya Kavindi, and Mithali Ayodhya.
Youth Take Center Stage
The squad reflects a clear intent to blood young talent, with the average age of the team hovering around 21. While the team retains some experience through Nilakshika Silva (37), Sugandika Kumari (35), and Hasini Perera (31), the vast majority of the squad consists of players under the age of 30.
Among the most exciting inclusions are 17-year-olds Sanjana Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda. Kavindi enters the tournament in blistering form, having smashed three half-centuries in her last four T20 appearances for the Sri Lanka Under-19 team.
Squad Breakdown: Batting and Bowling Depth
Despite the absence of their star all-rounder, Sri Lanka believes they have a robust batting core. Under Samarawickrama's captaincy, the batting options include:
- Imesha Dulani
- Vishmi Gunarathne
- Kavisha Dilhari
- Hasini Perera
- Nilakshika Silva
- Kaushini Nuthyangana
- Sathya Sandeepani
On the bowling front, the team has opted for a balanced attack. The specialist seaming department will be led by Malki Madara, Chethana Vimukthi, and Rashmika Sewwandi, with Sandeepani and Nilakshika providing additional medium-pace support. The spin department will be anchored by Sugandika Kumari and Chamudi Praboda, while Dilhari's off-spin adds a crucial dimension to the bowling options.
The Road Ahead
The Women's Emerging Nations Trophy is scheduled to take place in the UAE from November 12 to 25. Sri Lanka will be looking to see how this youthful ensemble performs under pressure and whether the new leadership can guide the team to success in the absence of their veteran star.
Full Sri Lanka Squad:
Harshitha Samarawickrama (Captain), Kavisha Dilhari (Vice-Captain), Sanjana Kavindi, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Malki Madara, Chethana Vimukthi.