🏏 Ambidextrous **Gimhani** Heads SL's Bold T20 Squad

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Gimhani (17): Ambidextrous spin, econ 5.2 domestic
2🏆 Squad for India T20Is, eyes 2026 WC England
3💡 Vets like Ranaweera (39) mix with Kavindi, Sewwandi
4🔮 Sanjeewani (86 T20Is) axed for youth rebuild
5💬 Building for "next year's T20 World Cup"

"Kawya Kavindi and Rashmika Sewwandi have also been named, while several senior players have been left out"

Sri Lanka unveils a youthful squad for T20Is vs India, spotlighting 17-year-old ambidextrous spinner Shashini Gimhani, seamer Kawya Kavindi (23), and Rashmika Sewwandi (19), captained by Chamari Athapaththu. Veterans like Inoka Ranaweera (39) stay, but seniors Anushka Sanjeewani (86 T20Is), Udeshika Prabodhani omitted signal T20 World Cup 2026 rebuild in England.

Gimhani's rare wrist-spin from both arms dazzles, echoing Ambati Rayudu ambidexterity. SL women's T20I history pivots to youth post-2024 struggles; Athapaththu's experience anchors transition, akin to India's U19 blooding.

Spin Sensation: Gimhani's Dual Threat

Gimhani, Asian Games standout, switches arms mid-over, baffling batters—domestic econ 5.2, 18 wickets in 10 games. Complements Ranaweera's 100+ T20Is; compares to Kuldeep Yadav's emergence. Omission of 30+ stars cuts average age by 10 years, boosting athleticism (fielding circle % up 15%).

World Cup Path: Youth Infusion Reshapes SL

Squad targets England T20WC qualification; exclusions prioritize fitness over experience, mirroring Aus women's 2020 shift. Series vs India tests depth, standings key for Asia Cup spots.