Thisara Perera named Sri Lanka's limited-overs captain
What's the story
Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera has been named the captain of the ODI side for the upcoming three match series against India. The 28-year-old will also lead the Islanders in the three match T20 international series against India. Perera takes over limited-overs captaincy from opening batsman Upul Tharanga, under whose leadership Sri Lankan team has seen a torrid time.
Captaincy crisis?
Third limited overs captain this year
Perera is Sri Lanka's third limited-overs captain this year. When Angelo Mathews stepped down, following a poor performance at the ICC Champions Trophy, the duties were split between Dinesh Chandimal who took over Tests and Tharanga was handed limited overs captaincy. However, under Tharanga Sri Lanka suffered three 5-0 whitewashes this year against South Africa, India and Pakistan.
Tharanga sacked
Sri Lanka were disastrous under Tharanga
Despite Tharanga's poor captaincy, he is in fine form with the bat averaging over 47 in his last 22 matches, but got into trouble twice due to slow over rates and also had to face suspension. Sri Lanka's poor results have now threatened their automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup and the Sri Lankan board is hoping Perera will soon turn things around.
New captain, new zeal?
Selectors opt for Perera over Chandimal
Selectors considered various option but eventually opted for Perera who also lead the Lankans in the T20I at Lahore when Tharanga had opted out due to security reasons. Despite the 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan, Perera is said to have impressed the selectors. Dinesh Chandimal was also being considered but his poor form was questioned, especially since he was axed for the Zimbabwe home series.