Sri Lanaka Skipper Dasun Shanaka To Step Down From Leadership Role Ahead Of ODI World Cup 2023 - Reports
Published - 20 Sep 2023, 02:05 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:19 AM
Sri Lankan white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka is expected to step down from leadership duties ahead of the much-awaited World Cup 2023. Dasun Shanaka’s decision came after Sri Lanka’s disastrous performances in the final of the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023.
The Dasun Shanka-led team suffered a humiliating defeat against the Rohit Sharma-led side. The hosts were bowled out for just 50 runs in the summit clash in Colombo on September 17. In response, India chased down the target in just 6.1 overs with 10 wickets in hand.
Dasun Shanaka To Step Down From Leadership Role – Reports
According to reports from Rev Sports, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is expected to make an official announcement regarding Dasun Shanaka stepping down as captain. Wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis has emerged as the front-runner for the skipper role of the national cricket team.
The 32-year-old has been going through a lean patch in international cricket. The right-handed batter scored just 54 runs in six innings in the Asia Cup 2023, with an average of 10.80 and a strike rate of 65.85. He has amassed 489 runs in 33 matches with an average of 19.56 since 2022.
Dasun Shanaka played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Sri Lankan cricket team after the retirement of veterans. He led the team to victory in last year’s Asia Cup in the UAE. Under his tenure, Sri Lanka registered 13 consecutive ODI victories, including the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
Congratulations To The Indian Team – Dasun Shanaka
In a post-match presentation, Dasun Shanaka expressed regret for the loss in the crucial final and extended his gratitude to the fans who turned out in large numbers to support the Sri Lankan team.
“I would like to thank the fans who came in numbers, really sorry that we disappointed you. We as cricketers really love you. And congratulations to the Indian team for the brand of cricket they’re playing,” Dasun Shanaka said.
“It was an outstanding display of bowling from Siraj, credit to him for how he approached the game. I thought it would be a good pitch for the batters, but the overcast conditions played a part and it was a tough, tough day.
“Of course, the application could have been better, could’ve tightened our technique a bit to settle down and free our arms in the middle period.”
