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The T20 World Cup 2024 looms as a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, a nation with a storied history in the shortest format of the game. Having clinched the championship in 2014, Sri Lanka’s journey in T20 cricket has been marked by periods of brilliance intertwined with phases of inconsistency and transition. As they gear up for the 2024 edition, Sri Lanka find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the challenges of rejuvenating a team that has been characterized by a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent.
T20 World Cup 2024: A crucial litmus test for Sri Lanka
Under the leadership of Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup assumes heightened significance. Hasaranga, a cricket giant in Sri Lankan cricket, brings with him a dynamic blend of skills and leadership qualities. As they embark on this journey, Sri Lanka will look to forge a new identity, harnessing the potential of their emerging talents while drawing upon the experience of their seasoned campaigners.
With the spotlight firmly on them, the 2024 T20 World Cup presents Sri Lanka with a platform to showcase their resilience, adaptability, and a renewed sense of purpose as they seek to reclaim their stature among the elite in T20 cricket. Sri Lanka will face South Africa in their opening game of T20 World Cup on Monday. However, they will be without some key players this time who played a significant role in last edition in 2022.
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4 players from Sri Lanka from 2022 T20 World cup who didn’t make it to 2024 edition:
In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, Sri Lanka fielded several key players who made significant contributions to the team’s performance. However, these players will not be part of the 2024 edition, which raises questions about the team’s composition and strategy for the upcoming tournament.
1. Chamika Karunaratne
Chamika Karunaratne‘s role in the 2022 T20 World Cup was more limited compared to some of his counterparts. In seven matches, he managed 32 runs off 38 balls, averaging 8.00 with a strike rate of 84.21. His highest score of an unbeaten 14 suggests a struggle to make significant contributions with the bat. While he might have been considered for his bowling prowess, his exclusion from the 2024 squad could stem from the need for more impactful all-rounders or specialists in either batting or bowling.
2. Lahiru Kumara
Lahiru Kumara emerged as one of the key bowlers for Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Across six matches, he bowled 20.1 overs and claimed 7 wickets at an average of 21.85 and an economy rate of 7.58. His best bowling figures of 2/24 underscored his ability to contain and take crucial wickets in the middle overs. Despite his decent performances, his exclusion from the 2024 squad might be due to concerns over consistency and the emergence of new bowling talents.
3. Kasun Rajitha
Kasun Rajitha‘s contributions with the ball in the 2022 T20 World Cup were moderate. In three matches, he bowled 11 overs, taking 3 wickets at an average of 31.33 and an economy rate of 8.54. His best bowling figures of 2/23 showcased his ability to pick up wickets but also highlighted a tendency to leak runs. Rajitha’s exclusion from the 2024 squad might be attributed to concerns over economy rates and the need for more consistent performances under pressure.
4. Binura Fernando
Binura Fernando‘s performances in the 2022 T20 World Cup were modest. In three matches, he bowled 8.5 overs, claiming 2 wickets at an average of 32.50 and an economy rate of 7.35. While he managed to pick up wickets, his economy rate suggests a tendency to be expensive at times. Fernando’s exclusion from the 2024 squad could be due to the need for bowlers who can maintain tight lines and apply pressure consistently throughout their spells.
