Sri Lanka all-rounder and former captain Dasun Shanaka has played a vital role in the development of the Sri Lankan cricket team in the last few years. Shanaka was named the captain of the team when many big names had retired from the side and the team was going through a transition phase. During his captaincy period, Shanaka showcased brilliant form with the bat and ball and contributed to the team’s win in many games.
However, in the Sri Lankan team, which were not going through a good phase, Dasun Shanaka was one of the prominent match winners along with players such as Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera. While speaking to Cricbuzz in an exclusive conversation, Shanaka opened up about how he received the captaincy of the Sri Lanka cricket team.
Dasun Shanaka stated the time when he received the captaincy of the team, no one was interested in the side. The team was losing to every other opposition. When he was adjudged the captain of the team his motive was to build a team with the players and stick to the team as a unit. Shanaka wanted to attract the crowd and the people to watch cricket in Sri Lanka and they were able to succeed in his intention.
Shanaka also showcased his happiness with players such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, and Matheesha Pathirana were able to perform well under his reign at the higher stage.
Dasun Shanaka opens up on his appointment as the captain of Sri Lanka
He said, “See, no one was interested with Sri Lankan cricket at that time. We were losing to every team. So my motive was to you know build a team with these players, perform for the team and stick as one unit. And we wanted to attract the crowd and the community in Sri Lanka for cricket so up to a certain extent we managed to do that, right? I’m very happy that someone like Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, they all were able to perform well at the higher stage after I became the captain and Charith Asalanka as well.”
When asked about his removal as captain, Dasun Shanaka said that they wanted a young player to step up and take the captaincy responsibility.
“These youngsters are playing well and it’s a good time to you know leave and I am always there if they need the support. I can give my advice and they will listen as well so I think we need to prepare someone for the next World Cup and I personally think that (was) the best time.”
Sri Lanka were also going through a heavy economic crisis in their nation when Dasun Shanaka became the captain of the side. Sri Lanka hosted the Asia Cup 2022 when they were going through the lean phase. Sri Lanka ended up winning the tournament under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka and left a huge statement in front of the world. The Sri Lankan team played in the ODI World Cup 2023 qualifier and won all their games until the final of the tournament to qualify for the marquee event.
Sri Lanka also qualified for the final of the Asia Cup 2023 when the tournament was played under the hybrid model. Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan to qualify for the final of the tournament in the super four stages. Sri Lanka also defeated England in the ODI World Cup 2023, which was called to be an upset. However, the team finished in the ninth spot and were not able to make it to the Champions Trophy 2025.