Sri Lanka Name Dasun Shanaka Captain for T20 World Cup, Replace Asalanka
New Delhi: Sri Lanka have appointed Dasun Shanaka as captain of their preliminary 25-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, bringing an end to Charith Asalanka’s tenure as leader. The decision was confirmed on Friday by Pramodaya Wickramasingha, who has returned as chairman of selectors.
Wickramasingha said the move was influenced by Asalanka’s recent struggles with the bat and Shanaka’s experience of having played in three previous T20 World Cups. He added that easing Asalanka of captaincy was necessary ahead of important home series against Pakistan and England, though the left-hander remains part of the squad as a specialist batter.
Asalanka had already faced scrutiny after withdrawing from last month’s white-ball tour of Pakistan citing security concerns following a suicide bomb blast in Islamabad.
Shanaka is expected to play a key all-round role in the side. Wickramasingha said the selectors, in consultation with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, chose continuity over major changes to allow players to regain form.
Sri Lanka have been grouped with Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman in the tournament, which begins on February 7. The selectors also recalled Niroshan Dickwella, with flexibility planned around his batting and wicketkeeping roles.
Our Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka’s decision to bring back Dasun Shanaka highlights the team management’s preference for experience ahead of a high-pressure global tournament. While Asalanka remains an important batting option, the leadership change suggests a focus on stability and proven credentials. How Shanaka balances his all-round responsibilities with captaincy will be crucial as Sri Lanka prepare to face strong opposition in the group stage.