Sri Lanka Excludes Former Captain from ODI Squad for Afghanistan Series
Dasun Shanaka, the former captain of Sri Lanka’s cricket team, has been omitted from the One Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan.
Alongside Shanaka, Sri Lanka has made two additional changes to the team that previously played against Zimbabwe. Nuwanidu Fernando and Jeffrey Vandersay have been replaced by Chamika Karunaratne and Shevon Daniel.
After the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where Sri Lanka secured the 9th position out of 10 teams, Shanaka was relieved of his captaincy duties. He participated in only two matches at the prestigious event before a thigh injury ruled him out of the tournament.
In the absence of Shanaka, Kusal Mendis assumed the role of captain and was later appointed as the permanent ODI captain.
Kusal Mendis delivered a remarkable century for Sri Lanka against Pakistan at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Despite being included in the squad against Zimbabwe, Shanaka was dropped for the final match.
Shanaka, the former Sri Lanka skipper, has been experiencing a challenging phase in ODI cricket, with the 32-year-old scoring only 353 runs at an average of 17.65 in 26 matches since the beginning of 2023.
Mendis will continue to captain the Sri Lankan side, which is set to benefit from the recent return of spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.
Sri Lanka Squad:
Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga.
Sri Lanka’s spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, became only the second bowler to achieve three consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODIs during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023.
The three-match series will take place between 9 and 14 February, with all games being held in Pallekele.
Following the ODI series, the two teams will compete in three T20Is, starting from 17 February.