KEY POINTS
- Dasun Shanaka reinstated as Sri Lankan captain for T20 World Cup.
- Wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella returns to the squad after a two-year absence.
- Asalanka remains in the squad as a key middle-order batsman.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Cricket has reinstated seasoned all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as the national team captain, replacing Charith Asalanka, who will continue as a squad player, just before the ICC T20 World Cup.
The newly appointed chief selector, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, confirmed the leadership change while announcing a 25-member preliminary squad for the global tournament.
The decision, made in consultation with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, positions Shanaka to lead the side until the conclusion of the World Cup.
“We decided that Dasun Shanaka should be captain until the end of the World Cup,” Wickramasinghe stated, adding that the previous selection committee’s squad list was retained.
Asalanka Steps Down After Limited Tenure
Charith Asalanka, who took over the captaincy after the last T20 World Cup in 2024, has been relieved of leadership duties.
His tenure saw mixed results, with the batter scoring 156 runs in 12 T20I innings this year at a strike rate of 122.
Despite the demotion, selectors have emphasised that Asalanka remains a vital part of the team’s middle-order plans.
Dickwella Returns to Bolster Top Order
The preliminary squad features a notable recall for wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, who last played for Sri Lanka in March 2023.
His inclusion aims to add experience and firepower to the top order, providing additional keeping options alongside Kusal Mendis.
Focus on All-Round Balance
Shanaka, who recently captained the side in a tri-series in Pakistan, is viewed primarily as a bowling all-rounder in this setup.
“We will work with Sanath Jayasuriya to define Shanaka’s role in the team,” Wickramasinghe noted, indicating a focus on optimizing the team’s balance.
The squad is rich in all-round talent, featuring the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva, alongside a potent pace attack led by Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana.
Sri Lanka’s Preliminary Squad for T20 World Cup
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, Traveen Mathew.
