New Delhi: Sri Lanka’s T20I tri-series campaign against New Zealand and South Africa has suffered a double blow as regular captain Charith Asalanka and pace spearhead Asitha Fernando were ruled out of the entire tournament due to injuries.
Asalanka, who led the islanders to the Asia Cup title earlier this year, has been sidelined by a recurring hamstring tear sustained during training, while Asitha picked up a side strain that will keep him off the park for at least three weeks.
The series, scheduled to begin on November 20 in Dambulla, now has a new face at the helm: all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been handed the captaincy reins for the second time in his career.
The 33-year-old Shanaka, who previously captained Sri Lanka in 16 T20Is between 2021 and 2023, returns after a year in the wilderness. Known for his explosive lower-order hitting and handy seam-up bowling, Shanaka last led the side in the 2022 Asia Cup final. Cricket sources say the selectors preferred experience over youth, overlooking Wanindu Hasaranga, who is nursing a minor niggle himself.
Sri Lanka Cricket also announced uncapped 22-year-old off-spinning all-rounder Dinura Kalupahana as Asitha’s replacement, injecting fresh blood into a squad already missing Pathum Nissanka and Matheesha Pathirana.
With only days to go before the opener against South Africa, Shanaka promised aggressive cricket: “We back ourselves to punch above our weight. The boys are hungry.” Fans will hope the change in leadership sparks a turnaround after Sri Lanka’s disappointing exit from the recent T20 World Cup.