Asalanka confirmed as ODI captain, Madushka named in squad

Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday confirmed Charith Asalanka as the team’s ODI captain replacing Kusal Mendis. The Island reported last week that Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka in ODIs as well after he was named as successor to Wanindu Hasaranga in the T-20 format. This move means that Mendis will concentrate on his batting. No deputy has been named for Asalanka.

Sadeera Samarawickrama who was dropped from the T-20 side has been retained in the ODI side and gives the team another wicket keeping option along with Mendis. Nishan Madushka, another wicketkeeper batter, also has been named in the side for the first time. Madushka has featured in seven Test matches.

All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne makes a comeback to the side along with off-spinner Akila Dananjaya. Karunaratne hasn’t featured in a game since last year’s World Cup campaign in India.

Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara who had to withdraw from the T-20 series due to illness and injury have not recovered and weren’t named in the ODI squad.

The first ODI between Sri Lanka and India takes place on Friday at RPS.

For India Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to the side. Both players are retired from T-20 cricket and didn’t feature in the 20 over leg in Pallekele which India won with a game to spare.

Playing the strong Indian outfit will be quite a challenge for the Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka ODI squad: Charith Asalanka(Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage. Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana. Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana and Asitha Fernando.