Wanindu Hasaranga To Be Appointed As Sri Lanka's T20 Captain

image-lqqnnhxkWanindu Hasaranga (X.com)

In a significant development for Sri Lanka, the talented bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is reportedly in line to be appointed as the T20I captain. This potential appointment marks a new chapter for Sri Lanka as they look to groom young leadership and build a team capable of competing at the highest level in T20 cricket.

Hasaranga has been Sri Lanka's anchor for a while now. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset, and at a young age, he has already established himself as a key player in the national squad.

Having said that, the spin wizard is currently in rehab for an injury he incurred during the Lanka Premier League. The injury kept him out of the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, which was held earlier this year in India.


Hasaranga likely to take over captaincy reigns for SL

Meanwhile, amid leadership turmoil, Sri Lanka is set to square off with Zimbabwe in a white ball series consisting of three ODIs and as many T20s. Ahead of the bilateral series, media reports suggest that Hasaranga's name has been floated for T20 captaincy while Dimuth Karunaratne will retain Test leadership.

“All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is tipped to be named the captain of the Sri Lanka T20 squad, while it has been confirmed that Dimuth Karunaratne will remain the Test Captain,” a report stated.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Committee is set to regroup again next week, wherein a final decision will be made. 

“The SLC Selection Committee is slated to meet again on Monday and make a decision ahead of Zimbabwe’s Tour of Sri Lanka in January 2024,” the report added.


After the ODI World Cup debacle, Sri Lanka cricket underwent significant change. Moreover, with the T20 World Cup inching closer, the SLC does not intend to take any chances and thus has turned to Wanindu Hasaranga for rescue.

Hasaranga has 91 wickets to his name across 58 T20Is. Not only that, the all-rounder also logged 533 runs in the lower order for Sri Lanka. 

Interestingly, RCB released Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the IPL auction before Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him for 1.50 crores. Perhaps RCB was feeling the jitters owing to Hasaranga's extensive injury history. It's worth mentioning that RCB initially picked him for over 10 crores during last season's auction.