3 reasons why Charith Asalanka replacing Kusal Mendis as Sri Lanka's ODI captain is the right move
Sri Lanka's selectors have named Charith Asalanka as the new ODI captain, succeeding Kusal Mendis. This comes after Asalanka was appointed T20I captain last week for the recently concluded T20I series against India after Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down following Sri Lanka's early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Interestingly, the same set of selectors appointed Kusal Mendis the ODI captain last December. Mendis was also at the helm for a few matches at the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. Although he was in good form and had led Sri Lanka to six wins out of eight matches, the selectors decided to look in a new direction.
3 reasons why Charith Asalanka replacing Kusal Mendis as Sri Lanka's ODI captain is the right move
#3. Same white ball leader
The Sri Lankan side hasn't done well in recent times. As such, the selectors wanted to give the same person the white ball sides to build a solid unit. With Sanath Jayasuriya serving as the interim head coach, Asalanka will lead the white-ball side.
Moreover, Asalanka didn't look hassled in the T20I series and this would have given the selectors some hope. There is a good core in place as far as the white-ball side is concerned and hence, the same captain for the two white-ball formats makes sense as there would be a semblance of normalcy in the selection and defining roles for different players.
#2. Consistent player
Charith Asalanka did not have the best T20I series against India; he scored just 14 runs in the three innings. However, he has been one of the most consistent players for Sri Lanka in ODI cricket.
Across 52 innings, he averages 43.49 with a strike rate of 90. He bats in the middle order and will need to carry on this form in the upcoming series against India, his first assignment as ODI captain.
He is also a handy part-time off-spinner and can roll his arm for a 3-4 overs spell. This will help him balance the side nicely, with regular spinners at his disposal. A captain leading from the front with the bat augurs well for the side and hence, the selectors have given Asalanka this added responsibility.
#1. Frees up Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka were consistent in the T20I series. Mendis, in particular, is an experienced player and can also take the wicket-keeping gloves. Although he did a good job as a captain, the selectors want him to be an individual contributor and consistently score runs as an opener.
Mendis is one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced ODI batters, having played 130 matches and scoring 3,859 runs at an average of around 33. On his day, he can be a match-winner for his side and the selectors would hope he would find his best years now that he has been freed from captaincy responsibilities.