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Stop Circulating It: Dhananjaya de Silva 'lambasts' False Accusation Against Him

image-lfmmvui9Dhananjaya de Silva | Source: Twitter

Following their defeat in the two-match Test series, Sri Lanka will now shift their focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, commencing on March 25 at Eden Park.

This series is going to be a must-win for Sri Lanka for their automatic selection for the World Cup 2023, scheduled to be played in India later this year. 

Ahead of their opening match, reports have emerged that Dhananjaya de Silva has refused to bat at number 7 and hence the management has decided to drop him from the playing XI. 

In a recently posted tweet, Sri Lankan commentator Roshan Abeysinghe said:

“Cricketer Dhananjaya de Silva refuses to bat at No. 7 in tomorrow’s match against New Zealand & hence not included in the team. He is tipped to miss the next two matches as well.” 

De Silva has been the mainstay of Sri Lanka's middle order in all three formats for years now. In his 65 ODI matches to date, he has scored 1393 runs at an average of 26.28, with eight half-centuries under his belt.

However, now De Silva himself came forward to clarify that he had not refused to bat at number 7, and that he was a team player who would bat wherever the team needed him. He took to Twitter, stating:

“The story circulating in Social Media saying that I have refused to bat at No. 7 during tomorrow’s game is false, and I wish to state that I am a player who always stands with the team.”

Sri Lanka’s legendary pacer Lasith Malinga also threw his weight behind De Silva, stating he has been a vital player for the Islanders. He also suggested that promoting him to the top of the batting order could significantly enhance their chances.

Here’s what Malinga said: 

"Dhananjaya De Silva is such a valuable asset to any international cricket team. He is a proper top-order batsman who must play in the top 4 on any condition with any team combination. His bowling adds a lot of value as well. #NZvSL"

Sri Lanka ODI squad:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk, vc), Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Chamika Karunaratne, and Matheesha Pathirana.