In a significant move ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka's cricket selectors have reinstated Dasun Shanaka as the national team's captain. This decision brings an end to Charith Asalanka's brief tenure as the leader of the side.
Leadership Shuffle: Experience Trumps Recent Form
The call was confirmed by the newly returned chairman of selectors, Pramodaya Wickramasingha, on Friday. He explained that the panel was influenced by two primary factors: Asalanka's recent struggles with the bat and Shanaka's valuable experience of having played in three previous World Cups.
"Shanaka's role will be of an all-rounder. When I stopped being a selector, Shanaka was the captain. Charith was in our long-term plans then," Wickramasingha stated, highlighting the return to a previous successful setup.
Asalanka's position had already been under scrutiny after he opted out of last month's white-ball tour of Pakistan. He cited safety concerns following a suicide bomb blast in Islamabad that claimed nine lives.
Squad Stability and Future Plans
Wickramasingha emphasized that relieving Asalanka of the captaincy burden was a strategic move, especially with important home series against Pakistan and England on the horizon. However, the left-handed batter remains a crucial part of the preliminary 25-member squad purely as a player.
"We hope he will regain his batting form. In consultation with Sanath Jayasuriya (the head coach), we decided it was not the time to make too many changes. So we decided to go with the same squad," the chief selector added, advocating for stability.
The selectors also addressed the recall of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, noting that his versatility was a key asset. "Multiple roles were discussed: as an opener, a reserve wicket-keeper, or even a middle-order batter," Wickramasingha revealed.
Increased Accountability and World Cup Challenge
Looking forward, the selection committee head announced a new regime of accountability for the coaching staff. Specific fitness targets will be set, with clear responsibilities outlined.
"We will have targets for fitness, for example. I will hold the trainer responsible if the players were not able to meet the required fitness level," Wickramasingha asserted.
Sri Lanka finds itself in a competitive group for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. They have been drawn alongside Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
Sri Lanka's Preliminary 25-Member Squad:
Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and Traveen Mathew.
