Sri Lanka were found three overs short by Match Referee Andy Pycroft after India completed a sensational come-from-behind win after being 131 for 7 in the chase of 231. Tharanga has previously served a similar two-match suspension during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 after Sri Lanka were found guilty of slow over rate during their tournament opener against South Africa.
Cricbuzz understands Sri Lanka also will miss the services of opener Danushka Gunathilaka after he hurt his shoulder while fielding. He is unlikely to be available for the next two games. Thirimanne is expected to open batting while Chandimal will take up the No. 4 position.
Sri Lanka's selectors were meeting in Kandy to name the interim captain in the absence of Tharanga.
Sources said that middle-order batsman Chamara Kapugedera has emerged as the leading candidate despite his mediocre record, although Chandimal and Thirimanne have been groomed as captains since long.
Sri Lanka trail the five-match series 0-2.
(Cricbuzz)
Except for the headline, this story, originally published by Cricbuzz, has not been edited by SLM staff)