- Upul Tharanga and SLC officials to face media
The 15-member Sri Lanka squad chosen by the national selectors for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has led to feverish debate, as Wanidu Hasaranga’s men prepare to fly out to the United States, tomorrow (14).
This is concerning some of those who have made it to the plane and those who have failed to make the cut from the national set up, for the month-long marquee event.
One of the most notable absentees, from the squad named last Friday (10), is former skipper Kusal Janith Perera, the dynamic opener, whose recent modest returns in white-ball cricket, has counted against him.
Still, leaving out the 33-year-old, would have been a difficult call for the selectors-now headed by former captain Upul Tharanga, considering the impact he could make in the format via his past experience.
But, it seems the selectors have placed their complete faith on form rather than on class, which is in stark contrast to the age-old saying, that form is temporary but class is permanent.
Two other notable discards from the squad, have been Avishka Fernando-the right-handed opener, who has had a decent run in the T20 side in the recent past and left-arm quick bowler Binura Fernando, who too has featured in the side regularly.
It will be interesting to see, as to what rationale the selectors will come up with, for the omissions of this trio, for the biennial in the US and the West Indies.
Meanwhile, the selectors are scheduled to front up to the media, during a news conference called by the SLC, at its head office this morning (13).
The exclusions aside, the player who has bolted into the squad from out of the blues, is 21-year-old old Joe left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, which could be termed a left-field decision, if one could call it.
The ex-Sri Lanka under-19 captain is yet to make his debut, in the shortest format, despite being a member of the squad for last year’s ODI World Cup.
Hence the 21 times ODI capped player’s inclusion ahead of Jeffrey Vandersay, who has only one additional cap than Wellalage, but has more T20 experience, is a most interesting call by the selectors.
It is said that the selectors have placed their trust on the all-round ODI experience of Wellalage, to be effective on slow pitches expected at match venues, rather than falling back on Vandersay, who is not reputed for his output with the bat.
Further close perusal of the squad, has posed the question as to how the team management will use their red-ball skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, in the competition.
It will be worth following whether he will be used primarily as a spin option or whether he will fit in as a batter, with there being two other all-rounders in Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka and how he will fit into the overall equation, only time will tell.
Hence the onus is on selectors to enlighten the public as to the merits of the players who have booked their tickets to the Americas and the demerits of those forced to view the action as spectators, from their living rooms.
The national selection panel also comprises Ajantha Mendis, Indiika De Saram, Tharanga Paranavithana and Dilruwan Perera.