Dimuth’s successor is Kusal Janith Perera, one of the finest batsmen that we have.

by Rex Clementine

Sri Lanka’s selectors have been ruthless axing as many as six seniors for the upcoming tours of Bangladesh and United Kingdom where they will play T-20 and ODI series. The national cricket team in limited overs cricket in particular has been struggling to make an impact in the last four years. Already forced to play the qualifying tournament of the T-20 World Cup, Sri Lanka is in the borderline in the limited overs championship as well and unless they get the house in order, they will have to qualify for the 50 over World Cup as well in 2023.

In recent times it has been proven that there are young talents good enough to take up the challenges of international cricket and throwing them to the deep end needs to be appreciated. But at the same time rather than doing as many as six changes, you wonder whether there should have been smooth transition rather than total changes.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne has got the sack. Now, there was one reason for Dimuth to be appointed ODI captain in 2019, just before the World Cup. The team was in tatters and there was rampant infighting. Dimuth was chosen to lead the side despite not having played in an ODI for more than four years.

It worked as Dimuth was able to bring the side together and into the bargain sorted one of the major issues the team’s batting unit was facing. This was a time that Sri Lanka were getting bowled out without utilizing their 50 overs. With the captain occupying one end up, Sri Lanka were able to sort that problem. The 97 he scored against the Aussies at The Oval was a class act playing against a formidable pace attack.

He’s been in superb form as well having accumulated 427 runs in three innings against Bangladesh in the just concluded Test series that included a double hundred, hundred and a half-century.

Dimuth’s successor is Kusal Janith Perera, one of the finest batsmen that we have. His seniority, him able to own a place in the side and fearless approach all stand in good stead for him. However, looking at KJP from a distance, he gives you the impression that he is an introvert. When such a person is given the additional responsibility that’s going to only affect his game. Brian Lara is a classic example. Fabulous player but utter failure as captain.

KJP also had failed a fitness test that would have made him ineligible for the tour of West Indies. But before the final selection was done he was injured. It remains unclear whether KJP has passed the fitness test or he has been given an exception.

Another player who probably deserved to be in the side was Nuwan Pradeep. Used only for limited over games in recent times, Pradeep has done a decent job both bowling at a good pace and remaining economical. Pradeep has lot more to offer for the team.