T20 team still very much under Charith Asalanka’s captaincy
View(s):Two months before Sri Lanka and India host the T20 World Cup, uncertainty continues to surround the leadership of the national T20 team. Charith Asalanka, who has captained the team through a difficult and inconsistent year, now finds himself at the centre of an intense debate. His return from Pakistan with a viral fever and the decision to appoint former captain Dasun Shanaka as stand-in skipper for the ongoing Tri-Series have fuelled speculation about his future.
Asalanka’s sudden departure from Islamabad was quickly picked up by sections of the media. Many questioned whether illness was the only reason behind his return. His recent struggles with the bat in T20 internationals and accusations that he led a push to withdraw from the Pakistan tour citing security concerns after the bombing in Islamabad have added further suspicion. The combination has created an atmosphere of uncertainty at a time when Sri Lanka desperately seeks stability.
Our intention was to always continue with Charith said Chief Selector Upul Tharanga, a statement Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya too agreed with months away from the World Cup
Chief selector Upul Tharanga faced repeated questions during a virtual media briefing. However, his responses did little to settle the matter. When asked straight whether Asalanka remained as Sri Lanka’s captain for the T20 World Cup, Tharanga did not give a direct answer. He said Sri Lanka would avoid rash decisions so close to a major global event, but he also confirmed that the selectors were exploring all possibilities.
“Our intention was always to continue with Charith,” Tharanga responded when asked.
“He was our captain for this tournament. It is unfortunate that he had to step away due to illness. Everyone expected that we would go forward with him until the World Cup. However, he has been experiencing a dip in T20 form. That is why we appointed Dasun as vice captain. If you look at Charith’s recent performances, he has not made a significant impact in his last 10 or so matches. Therefore, anticipating that this dip might continue, we brought in Dasun as vice captain,” Tharanga said.
In 2025 he has scored only 156 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 122. Under his leadership Sri Lanka have won 11 games and lost 14. These statistics do little to strengthen the argument that he should continue to lead the side into a home World Cup.
Despite the speculation, Tharanga maintained that Asalanka remains in Sri Lanka’s World Cup plans. He said the selectors recognise his value in the middle order and his potential to win matches. He described Asalanka as a highly talented player whose leadership qualities are still acknowledged within the squad.
He also noted that Sri Lanka currently lack strong alternative leadership options. He said the selectors could not hand over the captaincy to someone new without preparation. Shanaka’s experience and global exposure made him the most suitable deputy. He stressed that the selectors were under no pressure to remove or appoint anyone.
Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya also stressed the importance of supporting the current captain. He said the coaching staff must play a major role in helping Asalanka rediscover his confidence.
“We have to do everything possible to rebuild Charith’s confidence and get the best out of him. If a player is going through a rough patch, it becomes my responsibility. The performance coaches and I are working closely with him. Every player experiences difficult periods. Our job is to guide him, adjust his routines and build him back up,” Jayasuriya said.
He added that once Asalanka regains his rhythm with the bat and refines his bowling, he will move in a stronger direction. As the World Cup approaches, Sri Lanka face a delicate call. A late leadership change risks unsettling the team, but backing an out-of-form captain carries its own uncertainty. For the moment Asalanka remains officially in charge, though doubts persist.