Sri Lanka’s T20 leadership story has quietly circled back to a familiar address. Just months after Charith Asalanka was handed the reins as part of a post-2024 World Cup refresh, Dasun Shanaka is once again the man steering the ship at least until the upcoming T20 World Cup ends.
On paper, it looks like indecision. In reality, it’s something far more Sri Lankan: a pragmatic retreat to stability. Shanaka, who captained the side through the last World Cup cycle, returns after Asalanka’s modest returns of 156 runs at a strike rate of 122 from 12 innings in 2025, well below the modern T20 benchmark.
Stability Over Experimentation, For Now
Wickramasinghe’s first major decision as chief selector wasn’t bold; it was cautious. Retaining the same 25-player preliminary squad selected by the previous committee under Upul Tharanga signals a clear intent: minimize disruption before a World Cup.
History supports this conservatism. Sri Lanka’s worst T20 World Cup campaigns have often followed last-minute reshuffles (2016 being the glaring exception, driven by individual brilliance). With preparation windows shrinking, cohesion matters more than ideology.
Asalanka’s Numbers Told a Reluctant Truth
Asalanka’s demotion isn’t personal; it’s statistical. His career T20I strike rate of 126 places him in an awkward middle ground: not destructive enough for the top order, not reliable enough as a finisher.
Captaincy magnified those flaws. Leadership in T20 cricket increasingly demands tempo control, something Asalanka struggled to impose. That said, his retention in the squad suggests selectors still view him as a long-term asset, just not the man to set the rhythm right now.
Shanaka the All-Rounder, Not Just the Captain
Interestingly, Wickramasinghe framed Shanaka less as a leader and more as a multi-dimensional cricketer. That matters. Shanaka’s value has always been situational lower-order power, medium-pace overs, and calm decision-making under pressure.
Sri Lanka isn’t asking him to reinvent himself. They’re asking him to optimize himself, a subtle but important distinction in a squad heavy on specialists but light on adaptable roles.
The Dickwella Door Reopens for a Reason
Niroshan Dickwella’s return, after being absent since March 2023, was eye-catching; it wasn’t until the reasoning behind his return was understood that the logic became apparent. As an alternative to having both a top-order batter and a wicket keeper, Sri Lanka may be able to have their top-order batter in other parts of their lineup.
His T20I statistics aren’t elite; however, he is capable of disrupting power plays and therefore presents a contrast to the more traditional Pathum Nissanka/Kusal Mendis opening combination. In World Cups, options are currency.
Asalanka’s removal reflects modern T20 realities where strike rate is no longer a luxury but a requirement. Dickwella’s recall underlines flexibility over sentiment. And Shanaka’s leadership, however imperfect, offers predictability in a volatile format.
The real test begins after the World Cup. If Sri Lanka fails, this decision will look conservative. If they overachieve, it will be called sensible. That’s the thin line every selector walks, and right now, Sri Lanka has chosen balance over bravado.
Key Takeaway
Sri Lanka didn’t change captains to move forward they did it to avoid moving backward.
FAQs
1. What prompted Dasun Shanaka’s return as T20I captain?
A desire for stability before the T20 World Cup and Asalanka’s modest batting form.
2. Why was Charith Asalanka removed despite staying in the squad?
His strike rate and overall T20 impact didn’t meet leadership demands.
3. How does Niroshan Dickwella fit into the World Cup plans?
As a flexible top-order batter who also provides wicketkeeping options.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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