Shanaka is not selected for ODIs with Afghanistan by Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has omitted former captain Dasun Shanaka from its 16-man ODI squad that will travel to Afghanistan. Three players, including Shanaka, were left out of the squad that was announced last month for the series against Zimbabwe.

Legaspishing Jeff Vandersay and attacking middle-order batter Nuwanidu Fernando are the other two individuals who are out. In their place, opening batsman Shevon Daniel and all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne will bat.

Karunaratne, who is expected to serve as his immediate successor, last represented Sri Lanka during the World Cup in October-November. Although his strike rates of 78.43 and 106.20 in ODIs and T20Is, respectively, do not reach Shanaka’s peak as a power-hitter, his bowling has been effective in both white-ball formats.

However, both Fernando and Vandersay may have valid complaints regarding their exclusion. Fernando was not involved in any of the Zimbabwean matches, whereas Vandersay recorded respectable figures of 2 for 47 in the solitary match he was given the opportunity to bowl in throughout that series.

The remaining members of the squad complete their roles as anticipated. Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage (Series Player of the Year against Zimbabwe), opener Daniel, and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige comprise the formidable batting unit led by Kusal Mendis.

Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana are the leaders of the bowling department’s spin unit, which also includes all-rounders Dunith Wellalage and Akila Dananjaya. Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and Pramod Madushan comprise the seam-bowling unit.