The first edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL 2020) starts on Thursday, November 26 with five teams – Colombo Kings, Dambulla Viikings, Galle Gladiators, Jaffna Stallions and Kandy Tuskers – vying for the title. The entire tournament will be played at the Sooriyawewa Stadium, Hambantota.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Colombo Kings team, led by the experienced Angelo Mathews.

Colombo Kings LPL 2020 Team Preview

The confirmation of Andre Russell’s availability for the tournament has come as a major boost for the Colombo Kings, who will be without two of their biggest overseas acquisitions in Faf du Plessis and Mohammad Hafeez. In Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews and Isuru Udana, they have a strong domestic core, but a lot will depend on whether Russell manages to deliver his best.

Overall, the experience and a varied skill set does make Colombo one of the favourites for the title. If all of their international stars manage to perform to their usual standards, expect them to be one of the two sides in the final on December 16. Herschelle Gibbs has been appointed the head coach of the side, while Rangana Herath is the assistant coach.

Meet our new #KingsBrainsTrust @hershybru @HerathRSL #TheKingdom #ColomboKings #LPLT20 pic.twitter.com/0xVeDH5yPi

— Colombo Kings (@ColomboKings) November 19, 2020

Colombo Kings LPL 2020 Squad List

Local players: Angelo Mathews (c), Isuru Udana, Dinesh Chandimal, Amila Aponso, Ashan Priyanjan, Dushmantha Chameera, Dhammika Prasad, Jeffrey Vandersay, Thikshila de Silva, Tharindu Kaushal, Lahiru Udara, Himesh Ramanayke, Kalana Perera, Tharindu Ratnayake, Navod Paranawithana.

Overseas players: Andre Russell, Manpreet Singh Gony, Ravinderpal Singh, Qais Ahmed, Laurie Evans, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Karim Sadiq

Key domestic player: Dinesh Chandimal

The wicketkeeper-batsman will handle the top order and will be tasked with providing solid starts. Equally good against pace and spin, Chandimal is ideally suited to play the anchor role before Russell, Mathews and the like take over at the back end.

Are you ready? #DreRuss @Russell12A is 💪👑 #ColomboKings #WelcomeToTheKingdom pic.twitter.com/pOJzOau2yi

— Colombo Kings (@ColomboKings) November 13, 2020

Key overseas player: Andre Russell

Russell wasn’t at his best for Kolkata Knight Riders in the recently concluded IPL 2020, but he is a proven match-winner in the shortest format. His fitness continues to be a major concern, but once that’s addressed, the West Indian all-rounder can win the game from virtually any position. His form will be a determining factor for Colombo in the tournament.