Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee Chairman Upul Tharanga has expressed confidence in the 15-member national squad picked for the ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup, stating that the team has the required batting power for the tournament.

Addressing the media, Upul Tharanga said the squad has been selected after taking into consideration their current level of performance, as well as their additional skills that could contribute to strengthening the team.

Upul Tharanga made the remarks while responding to questions on the exclusion of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Kusla Janith Perera from the national squad.

He said Dhanajaya De Silva had claimed a spot in the team as he is strong in both batting and bowling and has shown results in his last few performances.

On Kusal Janith Perera’s exclusion, Tharanga further said it was regrettable that the cricketer could not lock a spot in the squad, adding that the decision was taken as he had failed to perform well in his last few matches for Sri Lanka.

“We waited until the last moment and were engaged in discussions. But it did not work out. We also had to take into consideration the squad requirements of the trainers and skipper as well. The 15-member squad and travelling reserves were picked based on these requirements,” Tharanga explained.

Expressing confidence in the selected 15-member national squad, Tharanga pointed out that the likes of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dasun Shanaka were sure to yield results.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa, although he was not picked in the 15-member squad, will travel to the US as a travelling reserve for the tournament.