Kusal Perera to lead Sri Lanka for the series against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series starting from May 23rd. Sri Lanka announced an 18 member young squad. Wicketkeeper-batsman Kushal Perera has been given the responsibility to lead whereas Kusal Mendis is appointed as vice-captain. Serious notable omissions include Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karanuratne, Dinesh Chandimal, and Lahiru Thirimanne.

Dimuth Karanuratne was appointed as ODI captain just before ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. He is now sacked as an ODI captain and dropped from the squad too. He continues to be the test captain. With a total of just 84 runs in the three-match series (scoring 52, 1, 31 respectively) against the West Indies in March earlier this year, a 3-0 whitewash is said to be the two main reasons for the harsh call.

Also, other senior players like Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Lahiru Thirimanne were dropped sending a clear message that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is preparing a team for the 2023 World Cup. Thisara Perera retired from international cricket on May 3rd.

Youngsters replacing them are Asitha Fernando, and Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, and Shiran Fernando. All matches will be played at one venue, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka.

There has been no announcement of the T20 captaincy as of now, so Dasun Shanka will continue with the role.

Sri Lanka’s 18-member ODI squad vs Bangladesh: Kusal Perera (C), Kusal Mendis (VC), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ashen Bandara, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanka, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera, Ramesh Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dhananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando.