Sri Lanka Cricket Shuffles Leadership: Hasaranga Takes T20 Reins, Mendis Steers ODI Ship

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a captaincy shakeup on Saturday, handing the Twenty20 reins to all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and entrusting the One-Day International (ODI) helm to batsman Kusal Mendis.

Hasaranga, making his comeback after injury, steps into the T20 role ahead of the upcoming series against Zimbabwe next month. He replaces Dasun Shanaka, who remains in the provisional squads for both T20 and ODI formats but won’t lead either due to the leadership split.

Mendis, who captained Sri Lanka during the final ODI matches of the World Cup after Shanaka’s injury, takes permanent charge of the one-dayers.

Although the ODI World Cup didn’t brought any positives for Sri Lanka under Mendis’ leadership after Dasun Shanaka was forced to leave out due to a severe injury. Wanindu Hasaranga, too, wasn’t available due to injury so Sri Lanka had to take part in the World Cup with their superstars missing from the team.

Now this is a rebuilding phase for Sri Lanka as they prepare for T20 World Cup 2024. Hasaranga will definitely play a key role in this World Cup because he is a quality T20 bowler but also can be handy with the bat in the lower order.

Charith Asalanka will serve as deputy to both Hasaranga and Mendis, highlighting the emphasis on grooming future leadership options. This comes amidst a broader revamp of Sri Lanka’s cricket structure following a disappointing World Cup performance.

The SLC appointed a new selection committee led by Upul Tharanga and Ajantha Mendis, aiming for fresh perspectives. They also tapped cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya as a “cricket consultant” for a year, seeking his mentorship and experience.

These leadership changes and structural reforms signal Sri Lanka’s determination to revitalize their cricket in both the limited-overs formats. Hasaranga’s dynamism and Mendis’ experience offer a fresh start, while the revamped selection committee and Jayasuriya’s guidance hope to bring strategic depth and long-term vision.

The Zimbabwe series next month will be the first test for this new-look Sri Lanka, presenting an opportunity for Hasaranga and Mendis to stamp their authority and set the tone for their respective teams’ journeys.

Key changes in Sri Lanka Cricket team

* Wanindu Hasaranga named T20 captain, Kusal Mendis takes ODI reins.

* Charith Asalanka appointed deputy for both formats.

* New selection committee formed, Sanath Jayasuriya joins as consultant.

* Revamp aimed at rebuilding Sri Lanka’s limited-overs fortunes.