After the Sri Lankan cricket team’s debacle in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 last month, Wanindu Hasaranga has resigned as the T20I captain of the team.
The Sri Lankan cricket team exited the marquee tournament at the group stage. The islanders were drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal. Going into the tournament, the Wanindu Hasaranga-led side was one of the favorites, however, the team failed to live up to the expectations of the fans and bowed out of the tournament in the first stage itself.
Advertisement
World No.1 Wanindu Hasaranga Resigns From Sri Lanka’s T20I Captaincy
The talented leg-spinner and current World no. 1 T20I all-rounder, Hasaranga was appointed T20I captain last year only. Wanindu Hasaranga has led the team in only 10 matches before stepping down from the position.
In his resignation letter, Hasaranga expressed that he is stepping down from the position of captaincy in the best interests of the team. He also claimed that this step would allow him to focus on his bowling and contribute as a player.
Sri Lanka Cricket also released an official statement announcing Wanindu Hasaranga’s decision. The statement read:
Advertisement
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform the public that National Men’s T20I Captain Wanindu Hasaranga has decided to resign from the captaincy.”
He added: “Hasaranga said it is in the best interest of Sri Lanka Cricket that he decided to relinquish the captaincy duties and remain in the side as a player. Sri Lanka Cricket, while accepting his resignation, wishes to state that Hasaranga will remain an important player for us in our international cricketing plans.”
Though Wanindu has stepped down from the position of captain, Sri Lanka Cricket has assured the fans that the all-rounder will remain an important team member. The Sri Lanka team will soon be seen in action in the upcoming white-ball series against India on July 26.
Sri Lanka has yet to announce their squad and new captain, who will lead the team in the upcoming series.
The upcoming tour between India and Sri Lanka will feature three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
Notably, the upcoming series will also mark the new beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era. The former Indian cricketer was recently appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.
Advertisement
