In a significant development for Sri Lanka, mystery spinner Akila Dananjaya and dynamic opener Avishka Fernando are back in the mix as the island nation announced their 17-member ODI squad for the forthcoming home series against Zimbabwe. The series, slated to commence on a Wednesday, emerges as a crucial turning point for the team, particularly as it introduces Kusal Mendis as their new full-time ODI captain. Mendis is no stranger to leadership, having captained the team before, yet this series heralds his first stint as the official helmsperson, marking a fresh chapter in Sri Lanka’s cricketing chronicles.
The selection panel, helmed by the experienced Upul Tharanga, has been forthright in its approach, effectuating sweeping changes to the team makeup. This revamp saw the exclusion of eight players from the recent ODI World Cup roster, including Kasun Rajitha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dusan Hemantha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Chamika Karunaratne. In their stead, the committee has summoned the talents of Wanindu Hasaranga, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Sahan Arachchige.
Each of these seven players had participated in the 10-team event, with Chamika serving as a reserve. The selectors’ decision underlines a determined effort to recalibrate and rejuvenate the national squad following their World Cup journey. The emphasis on inviting back accomplished players like Dananjaya and Fernando suggests an intent not only to balance experience with youth but also to bolster the team’s strategical depth.
Selector-in-chief Tharanga articulated a candid rationale behind the notable omission of Dhananjaya de Silva. Tharanga, a former opening batsman himself, enunciated the selectors’ viewpoint that de Silva’s optimal contributions would emerge from top-order batting positions. To solidify his chances of a comeback, de Silva has been advised to focus on securing higher-order spots even in club cricket, implying that any future inclusion would be predicated on his performance at these positions.
“We feel Dhananjaya de Silva can perform better in the top three, where he has time to bat longer. We’ve spoken to him about this as well and told him that even in club matches he should aim to bat in the top order. So if he is to make it back into the side it’ll be in the top three,” Tharanga was quoted, underscoring the strategic planning of the selection committee.
Here’s a glimpse into the Sri Lanka ODI squad welcoming a blend of established names and promising talents:
Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga (awaiting fitness clearance).
This carefully curated line-up, infused with vigor and versatility, aims to chart a victorious course on home turf against Zimbabwe. The anticipation surges as fans await the commencement of the series, eager to witness how the newly minted leadership and strategic amendments translate into performance. The stage is set for an exciting period of transition and triumph in Sri Lanka cricket.
