Sri Lanka made a bold move by replacing their ODI skipper Kusal Mendis with T20 captain Charith Asalanka ahead of a three-match series against India. Asalanka, a 27-year-old middle-order batsman, will now lead the white-ball side after being named T20 skipper last week. This decision comes after Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down as T20 captain following Sri Lanka’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup in June. Despite losing the captaincy, Mendis is still a part of the 16-member ODI squad that was announced by Sri Lanka Cricket for the upcoming series.
The upcoming three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and India is set to take place at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo starting from August 2. The Sri Lankan team will be looking to put up a strong performance under the leadership of Charith Asalanka in both the ODI and T20 formats. The team also includes promising young talents like Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who will be crucial for their success against a strong Indian side. The series promises to be an exciting contest between two talented teams.
Charith Asalanka’s appointment as the new captain of the Sri Lankan white-ball side marks a new era for the team as they look to rebuild and perform better in international cricket. Asalanka, known for his solid batting in the middle order, will be tasked with leading the team both on and off the field. His leadership skills and cricketing acumen will be put to the test against a formidable Indian team led by Virat Kohli. Sri Lanka will be hoping that Asalanka can inspire the team to some memorable performances in the upcoming series.
The decision to replace Kusal Mendis as ODI captain may have come as a surprise to many, but it shows the Sri Lankan cricket board’s commitment to making bold changes in order to improve the team’s performance. Mendis, a talented batsman in his own right, will now have the opportunity to focus on his game and contribute to the team without the added pressure of captaincy. Asalanka, on the other hand, will have the chance to showcase his leadership skills and lead the team with a fresh approach.
The Sri Lankan team will be banking on the experience of players like Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Akila Dananjaya to guide them through the series against a strong Indian side. The team will need to work on all departments of their game, including batting, bowling, and fielding, in order to compete at the highest level. With the support of the fans and the cricketing fraternity, Sri Lanka will be looking to put up a strong fight against India and make a mark in the international cricketing arena.
In conclusion, the appointment of Charith Asalanka as the new captain of the Sri Lankan white-ball side signals a new beginning for the team as they prepare to take on India in a three-match ODI series. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, Sri Lanka will be looking to deliver a strong performance and make their mark in international cricket. The series promises to be a closely contested affair between two competitive teams, and fans can expect some exciting cricketing action as the two sides battle it out on the field. Sri Lanka will be hoping for a successful series under Asalanka’s captaincy and take a step towards rebuilding their cricketing legacy.
