The same set of selectors had appointed Mendis as the ODI captain in December last year, though he had also led Sri Lanka in several matches in last year’s World Cup in an acting capacity.
Though Mendis has been in good touch with the bat, and Sri Lanka won six of the eight completed ODIs under his leadership, the selectors opted to go in a different direction. Under Mendis’ captaincy Sri Lanka had won five consecutive home matches against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, but lost 2-1 away to Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three ODIs against India in Colombo on August 2, 4 and 7. They lost the ongoing T20I series after going 2-0 down before the final match in Pallekele on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka squad for ODIs vs India
Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando
