The national selectors of Sri Lanka have announced their 18-member squad for their upcoming tour of Bangladesh. In a major restructure to their ODI squad, Sri Lanka picked up a young side that has only three players above the age of 30. On the other hand, they have dropped their veteran players including captain Dimuth Karunaratne, all-rounder Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal.
Kusal Janith Perera has been appointed as their new captain for the ODI format while Kusal Mendis has been appointed as vice-captain. For the record, Kusal Perera did not lead their national side in any format up until now and it would definitely be a herculean task for him to lead an inexperienced attack in the upcoming 3-match ODI series in Bangladesh later this month.
Sri Lanka is set to tour Bangladesh and will leave on 16th May. A total of 3 ODIs, all to be hosted in Dhaka, will be played on May 23, 25 & 28. Bangladesh recently toured Sri Lanka for a 2-match Test series which hosts won by a margin of 1-0. The upcoming ODI series in Bangladesh would be a great opportunity for the home team to make a comeback. With the series being played at home, Bangladesh would also start as favorites against this inexperienced Sri Lankan line-up.
Sri Lanka squad for Bangladesh ODIs: Kusal Perera (c & wk), Kusal Mendis (vc), Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Niroshan Dickwella, Dushmantha Chameera, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando
How did Karunaratne fare as an ODI captain?
Before this shocking drop, Sri Lanka was led by opener Dimuth Karunaratne in the ODI format. He had captained in 17 ODIs out of which Sri Lanka had won 10 and lost 7. Though SL put on a disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2019 under his leadership winning just 3 games out of 7, they did well apart from that winning three out of 4 ODI series – against Scotland, Bangladesh & West Indies. The only series Sri Lanka lost under the leadership of Dimuth, was the 3-match ODI series in West Indies earlier this year. Still, his sacking is more of a surprise!
Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2021 schedule:
ODI #1: May 23, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka. Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
ODI #2: May 25, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka. Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
ODI #3: May 28, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka. Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
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