Sri Lanka’s new T20 captain, Charith Asalanka, has identified the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as the benchmark for selecting the national team’s top-order batters. Asalanka believes that the LPL’s high level of competition provides a reliable indicator of players’ T20 abilities.
Based on their impressive performances in the LPL, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Perera have emerged as strong contenders for the top three batting positions. Kamindu Mendis, who showcased his versatility by bowling with both arms, has secured the No. 4 spot.
Asalanka emphasized the importance of using the LPL as a selection criterion, stating, “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.”
Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera all displayed exceptional batting prowess in the LPL. Mendis accumulated 329 runs at a strike rate of 150, while Nissanka amassed 333 runs at a strike rate of 153. Fernando impressed with 374 runs at a strike rate of 163, and Perera boasted the highest strike rate of 169, scoring 296 runs.
Asalanka’s leadership style revolves around man-management and fostering a positive environment. He aims to extract the best from his players and empower them to execute their plans with confidence.
“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,” Asalanka said. “What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them.”
With a wealth of talented batters at his disposal, Asalanka faces the challenge of selecting the optimal top three for Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20 matches. The LPL performances of Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera will heavily influence his decision-making process.
