04 Jan 2024 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
In a groundbreaking move to address the ongoing turmoil in Sri Lanka Cricket, the recently appointed Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has named separate captains for each of the three formats for the first time.
Dhananjaya de Silva has been appointed the captain of the Sri Lanka Test team, replacing Dimuth Karunaratne.
The upcoming Test series against Afghanistan will be the first Test for the newly appointed captain.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Selection Committee Upul Tharanga announced the revamped leadership structure during a press conference.
Tharanga said that Kusal Mendis has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Test team.
The duo will lead the Test squad in the upcoming series against Afghanistan.
Mendis will take the captaincy of the ODI squad, with Charith Asalanka assuming the role of vice-captain.
In the T20 format, the responsibility of leading the squad will fall on the shoulders of Wanindu Hasaranga, with Charith Asalanka as the vice-captain.
“We hope to go with Kusal Mendis as the ODI Captain until the ODI World Cup in 2027 and Wanindu Hasaranga as T20I Captain beyond the 2024 T20 World Cup,” Tharanga said while addressing the media for the first time after his recent appointment.
Tharanga mentioned that he would have preferred to have the same captain for all three format.
"However we are unable to do that at the moment with the players we have," he said.
Dilruwan Perera, Indika De Seram, Ajantha Mendis, and Tharanga Paranawithana were also present at the media conference.
Tharanga announced the 17-member Sri Lanka ODI squad for the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe.
Following ODI, and T20 with Zimbabwe , Sri Lanka will host Afghanistan for three T20s, three ODIs, and one Test match.
The preliminary ODI squad against Zimbabwe with 21 players, was named recently.
However, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando, and Chamika Gunasekara, who were in the squad, were not named for the final squad.
Sri Lanka ODI squad to play Zimbabwe are: Kusal Mendis (captain), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, and Wanidu Hasaranga.
Addressing Dinesh Chandimal's potential inclusion in ODIs, Tharanga assured that the selectors have not forgotten him and have engaged in discussions with him.
"Chandimal last played an ODI around one and a half years ago, typically batting at positions 4 or 5. However, at the moment, we cannot offer him a place in the ODI squad because Sadeera and Charith Asalanka are playing in those positions and performing well," he said.
"As selectors, we consider it important not to alter the batting order that players are familiar with," Tharanga said.
Meanwhile, responding to concerns regarding potential favouritism towards colleagues in team selection, Tharanga assured that the new selection committee would prioritize talent over any personal affiliations. He emphasised that the selection process would be fair and transparent, with players chosen based on their skills and abilities.
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