Karunaratne’s exclusion lends credence to the idea that he has simply fallen out of favor under the new selection and coaching regime. He last featured for a match for Sri Lanka during the 2023 ODI World Cup despite being part of several squads since then.

But his downward trajectory has coincided with the rise of Wickramasinghe after impressive performances with the bat in the Lanka Premier League in July. He played in the first match of the T20I series against the West Indies before increasingly spin-friendly surfaces saw Dunith Wellalage preferred to him.

On the spin bowling front, a strong attack will be led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, with Vandersay and Wellalage providing options.

The three-match series starts on October 20. All three matches will be played in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka ODI squad for the series against West Indies

Charith Asalanka (captain), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz