Seamer Lasith  Malinga has been omitted from the  T20 squad for the three-match series against India starting next week. Malinga, 34 last played for Sri Lanka during the home series against India on October 6 where he picked up one for 31.

Malinga’s exclusion comes as a surprise for many given his record in the shortest format of the game and many believe his recent public criticisms against the board and the country’s Sports Minister may have contributed towards his omission. In 68 matches, Malinga has claimed 90 wickets with a best of 5 for 31. Malinga was not considered for the five-match ODI series against Pakistan and also current series against India.

Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dasun Shanaka are back in the side.

Squad: Upul Tharanga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Janith Perera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella, Asela Gunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Chaturanga de Silva, Sachith Pathirana, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando