Charith Asalanka calls for fearless cricket as Sri Lanka prepares for India T20I series

Sri Lanka's cricket team has faced tough times recently, being eliminated from the group stages of both the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Following these setbacks, former captain Wanindu Hasaranga and head coach stepped down from their roles. Charith Asalanka has since taken over the captaincy, and Sanath Jayasuriya has stepped in as the interim coach.

Asalanka is now focused on the upcoming white-ball series against India, which will feature three T20Is and three ODIs, starting with the first T20I in Pallekele on July 27. With experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having retired from T20Is, the Indian team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who is stepping into the role full-time for the first time.

Asalanka has called on his players to give their all and embrace a fearless approach. He emphasized the importance of creating a positive environment and allowing the players to perform freely. 

“What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them. We have a lot of talented cricketers, but what’s important is to get the most out of them and have them win matches. I’ve told them to play freely and when we’ve given them plans, to go out there and execute them without fear. That’s what you can expect from me as a captain,” Asalanka said.

Highlighting his recent success, Asalanka noted his achievement in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, where he led Jaffna Kings to victory. He believes that performances in the LPL are crucial for national selection, considering the league's high level of competition.

“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. As a captain, I think if you perform at the LPL you should get a good chance at playing in the national team,” he further added.