Table of Contents
Sri Lanka Cricket has made significant changes as they gear up to host Zimbabwe for a thrilling white-ball series consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is. The highly anticipated series will commence with the ODI segment, starting on January 6.
After a disappointing exit from the ODI World Cup 2023, where they finished ninth in the points table, Sri Lanka is keen on rebuilding and preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. In a strategic move, the cricket board has not only unveiled the preliminary squads for the series but has also announced a new T20I captain, signalling a fresh start for the team.
Star all-rounder takes charge as T20I captain
As squads have been announced for both ODIs and T20Is, the spotlight is on star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been appointed as the new captain for Sri Lanka in the shortest format. With an impressive track record in the T20 format, Hasaranga is expected to bring dynamism and leadership to the team.
It is worth mentioning that despite missing the ODI World Cup due to injury, Hasaranga had a stellar run in the Lanka Premier League 2023, emerging as the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in the tournament, guiding his team to victory.
Change in ODI leadership
In addition to the T20I captaincy, there is a change in the ODI leadership as well. Kusal Mendis has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the team in the ODIs. It will not be the first time that Mendis takes the helm as captain in ODIs, as he recently took over the captaincy during the ODI World Cup 2023 after Dasun Shanaka‘s unfortunate thigh injury ruled him out of the tournament.
Moreover, Charith Asalanka has been appointed as deputy to both Mendis and Hasaranga.
Also READ: Pat Cummins hits out at Mohammad Hafeez’s comments after MCG Test
Building for the future: SLC announces strong squads
The announcement of new leadership for both formats came when the s Men’s selection committee, led by Upul Tharanga, unveiled the preliminary squads for both the ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe.
The squad assembled by the Sri Lankan selectors for the Zimbabwe series suggested a strategic move by Sri Lanka Cricket as they seem to build a formidable side ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Sri Lanka ODI and T20I squads for Zimbabwe series
ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Gunasekera.
T20I squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanaka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Kusal Janith Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana.
