In an interesting development, and according to ESPNcicinfo news, Charith Asalanka has been named as the vice-captain of both the white-ball teams, i.e. ODIs and T20Is, for the upcoming tour of England starting on the 15th of September, 2026. This, in turn, has added another leadership role for Charith Asalanka within the national side after being out of it for the last 3-6 months due to unavoidable circumstances.
Charith Asalanka, who was thrown under the bus lately, is back and has become an important figure in Sri Lanka’s limited-overs set-up and with his elevation as the deputy in both formats, it shows he is back in the leadership group. His appointment reflects the team management’s confidence in his leadership qualities as the Lankan lions look to strengthen their white-ball structure.
Charith Asalanka’s tryst with leadership earlier
Charith Asalanka was leading the national side at the same time last year. But a combination of loss of form three months ago and the reluctance to continue the tour of Pakistan, citing genuine security concerns, also played a part, as he was removed as ODI captain three months ago. Six months ago, his loss of form meant that he was removed as T20I skipper and from the team as well.
Charith Asalanka was part of the T20I World Cup side in February-March but was warming the bench throughout the time. He did not know where his future was, but now he can see the light at the end of the tunnel if we are being brutally honest about it. With him being a part of the leadership group, and Kusal Mendis’ frequent injuries, who knows, Charith Asalanka might lead the side in this tour of England. There have been many ins and outs in this team, but Asalanka being vice-captain of both sides is the biggest talking point.
Dasun Shanaka returns to the ODI setup after a gap of more than 2 years
The squad for the tour of England will also see the return of Dasun Shanaka, who will play ODIs after January 2024, which is a gap of more than 2 years. Shanaka, who is part of the T20I squad as it is, will bring his experience to the fore in the ODI format. Yes, Shanaka had a wretched run of form in the ODIS in late 2023, where his average dipped below 10 at that point. But the Sri Lankans have struggled to find a finisher as his replacement and have been forced to go back to Shanaka.
Dasun Shanaka brings experience to the fore, and his presence will give the side the all-round option it needs as they prepare for this big series against England coming soon. Colombage also comes back in the side and will be a cover for Wanindu Hasaranga, whose love affair with injuries is on another level, we can say. No major changes in the side as the team was picked on expected lines.
Charith Asalanka back for T20Is as well
Meanwhile, Asalanka is set to feature in the T20 leg of the tour, which is before the ODIs take place as per schedule. Sri Lanka will hope to challenge England in their home conditions. For them to do so, Asalanka’s presence will add to the stability in the batting order it desperately needs. Plus, with him back in the leadership group, his leadership support on and off the field will be crucial for the team going ahead.
For Sri Lanka, this tour represents another opportunity to build consistency in white-ball cricket. The combination of Asalanka’s growing leadership role and Shanaka’s return provides the team with a blend of emerging responsibility and experience. The England series will therefore be watched closely by one and all as Sri Lanka aims to develop their squad and establish a stronger leadership group for upcoming international commitments.
Kusal Mendis will lead both sides while Pathum Nissanka is back from his injury lay-off, as well as Mendis. Kamindu Mendis, despite showing patchy form and being a former vice-captain, has managed to retain his place in the side. Coming back to the T20I side, apart from Asalanka, are Lahiru Udara, Janith Liyanage and Tharindu Rathnayake owing to exceptional performance in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League. Pavan Rathnayake, Lasith Croospulle, Milan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka are the ones making way for the players.
Not many changes in the ODI squad, with the headline act being Dasun Shanaka back in the set-up after 2.5 years since January 2024, and Colombage coming back into the side with Milan Rathnayake and Pramod Madushan making way for them. The players have been picked keeping mainly the LPL in mind. The series is set to start from 15th September, and we start with the T20Is, the first one being at Southampton on 15th. The ODI series is from 22nd September onwards.
Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (vc), Kusal Mendis (c), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Sri Lanka’s T20I Squad
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis (c), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (vc), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando.
It will be interesting to see how Charith Asalanka performs as vice-captain and how Sri Lanka fare in this white-ball tour in England starting mid-September.
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