Image Credit- AFP
Dasun Shanaka, a former captain, has been dropped out
of Sri Lanka’s 16-man ODI team to play Afghanistan. Three players were left off
of the roster that was announced for the series against Zimbabwe last month,
including Shanaka.
The other two players who are out are legpsinner
Jeffrey Vandersay and attacking middle-order hitter Nuwanidu Fernando.
All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne and opening batsman Shevon Daniel will replace
them.
Given his dismal performance in the format—he has only
scored one half-century and an average of 12.25 in his past 21 innings dating
back to January 2023—Shanaka’s expulsion from the one-day squad is not
shocking.
Prior to the Zimbabwe series, he was removed from his
role as white-ball captain, but he was still in the playing XI. He was dropped
for the third ODI after the first two matches ended in scores of 8 and 7.
Karunaratne, who is expected to be his straight
replacement, last competed for Sri Lanka in the October–November World Cup.
Although his strike rates in ODIs and T20Is are 78.43 and 106.20, respectively,
he doesn’t have Shanaka’s ceiling as a power hitter, but his bowling has shown
promise in both white-ball forms.
Nonetheless, Fernando and Vandersay may have
justifiable complaints after being excluded. Fernando didn’t participate in any
cricket matches against Zimbabwe, but Vandersay bowled well in the one game he
did play in, going 2 for 47.
The remainder of the team assembles as anticipated.
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka,
Janith Liyanage (Player of the Series against Zimbabwe), opener Daniel, and
all-rounder Sahan Arachchige are among the potent batting group led by Kusal
Mendis.
On the bowling front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh
Theekshana head a spin department that also includes Akila Dananjaya and
allrounders Dunith Wellalage and Arachchige. Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan
Madushanka, Pramod Madushan and Karunaratne round out the seam-bowling unit.