Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), on Saturday, December 30, named Wanindu Hasaranga as the skipper of the national T20I team. This announcement comes as the team gears up for their upcoming series against Zimbabwe. Concurrently, right-handed batter Kusal Mendis is set to captain the one-day international team.
The experienced Charith Asalanka steps into the role of vice-captain, offering support to both Hasaranga and Mendis in their respective formats. This reshuffling in the hierarchy follows Hasaranga’s return to the field; he had been sidelined due to an injury incurred during the Lanka Premier League in August.
Hasaranga takes over the T20 reins from Dasun Shanaka, who remains a key figure in the preliminary selections for the forthcoming series that includes three one-day internationals and an equal number of T20 matches, commencing on January 6th on home turf.
Mendis’s ascension to ODI captaincy occurred mid-World Cup in India, stepping in for an injured Shanaka. Despite a less than stellar World Cup performance, where Sri Lanka secured only two victories out of nine matches, the SLC has taken measures to revitalize the team’s administration.
A fresh selection committee now operates under the guidance of former opener Upul Tharanga, with Ajantha Mendis as a member. Additionally, the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as a ‘cricket consultant’ for a year, bringing his extensive expertise to the fore.
These changes reflect Sri Lanka Cricket’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening their team dynamics, with an eye on future successes on the international stage.
Sri Lanka will play all their matches against Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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