Reports in local Sri Lankan media have debunked rumors that captain Dasun Shanaka will step down ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
It was claimed that wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis would take over from Shanaka after the Lankans’ worst-ever ODI defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2023 final at home. Sri Lanka got bowled out for just 50 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, with India chasing down the target in just 37 deliveries with all 10 wickets to spare.
Local media cited a senior Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official to claim that the selectors have decided to continue with Shanaka until the 2023 World Cup. Sri Lanka will play their first match of the tournament against South Africa in Delhi on October 7.
Sri Lanka are one of the three teams, apart from Bangladesh and Pakistan, yet to announce the respective squads for the World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC)’s deadline for the final submission of teams is September 28.
The team is expected to leave for India on September 26 with their first warm-up match scheduled for September 27 against Afghanistan.
