Sri Lanka brings in Ramesh Mendis on stand-by to replace hospitalized Binura Fernando

Sri Lanka have been handed yet another blow before the start of their white-ball series against India as left-arm pacer Binura Fernando has been hospitalized. This left the hosts with no other option but to bring in off-spinner Ramesh Mendis on stand-by for their squad.

A statement from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday said left-arm fast-bowler Fernando has been hospitalized because of a chest infection. Subsequently, they have now brought Mendis into the Charith Asalanka-led T20I squad as a standby player.

Fernando had a fairly decent campaign in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League 2024 where he took 13 wickets in the 8 games for the Colombo Strikers.

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Earlier the likes of Dusmanatha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara were also ruled out of the series due to bronchitis and a fractured left thumb respectively. Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka have been brought in as their replacements in the squad.