Sri Lanka prepares for Indian series under new captaincy
Chairman of the cricket selection committee Upul Tharanga (left) briefing the media while Interim Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya looks on.)Chairman of the cricket selection committee Upul Tharanga (left) briefing the media while Interim Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya looks on. (pix by Sudath Malaweera)
Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Charith Asalanka as the new T20 captain following the sudden resignation of Wanindu Hasaranga after the recent T20 World Cup. Chairman of selectors Upul Tharanga announced this decision during a press briefing at SLC headquarters yesterday. The team, under new captain Asalanka and an interim coach, is preparing to face India, with the squad having left Pallekele for training sessions.
“Having a long-term captain is crucial for building the team,” said Tharanga. “We consider current performances and fitness levels for team selection. Players like Kusal Janith Perera, who performed well in the LPL, are considered, and we have also brought in 21-year-old all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe.”
Tharanga stressed the importance of consistency and mental strength. “The Indian series is a good challenge for us,” he added.
Several senior cricketers from the T20 World Cup squad have been excluded, making way for standout performers from the Lanka Premier League (LPL). “We know some players who performed well at the domestic level didn’t get a chance to play LPL matches, especially those under 23. We plan to change this system to get the maximum advantage from the LPL,” added Upul Tharanga.
“We have to observe the Pallekele wickets and make decisions. Our openers will likely be Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, while Kusal Janith or Dinesh Chandimal may bat at number three. The final team composition hasn’t been decided yet,” said Tharanga.
Meanwhile, paceman Dushmantha Chameera, who was named in the T20 squad, has been ruled out of the Indian series due to injury. “His medical reports were received last Tuesday, and we will name a replacement for the squad soon,” added Tharanga.
Specialist Batting Coach training vital, says Jayasuriya
Interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya said the Sri Lanka team has had good preparation before the India series, including a successful week of training with Rajasthan Royals’ batting specialist coach Zubin Barucha. This training was important for both national and domestic players. “Our batting wasn’t up to the mark at the last T20 World Cup, and this training provided valuable lessons,” Jayasuriya said. Coaches from the High Performance Unit and even club and school coaches also benefited, along with bowling consultant Aqib Javed from Pakistan.
“Our bowling strength is higher compared to our batting, so we need to focus on all three departments: batting, bowling, and fielding,” said Jayasuriya. He mentioned that he is the interim head coach only for the India and next England Test series, and the process to find a new coach is already underway.
“I have played for the national team for 22 years, gaining experience from various coaches and foreign players. My aim is to improve team performance. We saw the high batting standards of foreign players like Rilee Rossouw in the LPL final. Our players can learn a lot from them, especially focusing on mental and physical fitness,” added Jayasuriya.
“I always chat with players and work closely with them to ensure success. We have the best squad for this Indian series, and SLC provides everything needed. The players also have a responsibility. After the T20 World Cup, fans were frustrated with team performances, but building a strong team takes time. With the support of SLC, we aim to build a good team within the next two years. Practices, training, and good coaching are all provided by SLC. Now it’s up to the players to stay motivated and move forward,” Jayasuriya added.