A lot of Sri Lankan players are in great form coming into the three-match T20I series against India, starting on July 27 (Saturday) in Pallekele. Charith Asalanka, who was recently appointed as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain, led Jaffna Kings to their fourth Lanka Premier League title.
Avishka Fernando (374 runs @ 37.40), Pathum Nissanka (333 runs @ 30.27), Kusal Mendis (329 runs @ 36.55), Dinesh Chandimal (287 runs @ 28.70), Kusal Perera (296 runs @ 42.28) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (186 runs @ 62) were all amongst runs.
Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana (15 wickets @ 17.6), Wanindu Hasaranga (15 wickets @ 21.26), Binura Fernando (13 wickets @ 16), Dasun Shanaka (13 wickets @ 20.23) and Maheesh Theekshana (10 wickets @ 29.6) did well with the ball.
“If you look at the LPL, it's the No. 1 tournament we have to make decisions like this. More than domestic T20s, the LPL is at a much higher level. As a captain, I think if you perform at the LPL you should get a good chance at playing in the national team,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Asalanka as saying.
Asalanka, who has captained in every age-group level, said his captaincy is largely based on man-management. "From under 15 level I've captained teams, and there' s been a lot of change since then. That's what I tell my team members too - we can't be at the same place we've always been at.
“From day to day you have to improve and that's how you become a good player or a good captain. I've played under many captains, and I've tried to absorb as many of their good traits into my captaincy and into my life as possible.
"What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them. We have a lot of talented cricketers, but what's important is to get the most out of them and have them win matches. I've told them to play freely and when we've given them plans, to go out there and execute them without fear. That's what you can expect from me as a captain."
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