Pallekele, July 26: As Sri Lanka gears up for the first T20I against India on Saturday, newly appointed captain Charith Asalanka emphasized the need for his players to give their 100 percent effort on the field as they aim to win the series. The two nations will clash in a three-match T20I series followed by an equal number of ODIs.
Asalanka, who has led teams since his teenage years, intends to foster a positive and expressive environment for his squad. “We have talented cricketers, and my goal is to maximize their potential. I’ve encouraged them to play without fear and execute plans confidently," he said ahead of the series opener.
Following his successful stint with Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Asalanka believes that top performers in the premier T20 tournament deserve national team opportunities. He praised Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera for their impressive form, highlighting the challenge of selecting the top order batters. "There are four openers in the squad, and three will make the top three, meaning one must sit out," he admitted.
Reflecting on his leadership style, Asalanka stressed on continuous improvement and effective man-management, principles he’s cultivated from leading teams since the age-group level. "You can’t stay stagnant; daily improvement is crucial for becoming a better player or captain. Learning from various captains I’ve played under has been instrumental for me," he concluded.
Asalanka’s leadership debut against India promises an exciting series, with a blend of freedom and strategy ready to unfold on the Pallekele pitch.
Original Story https://assamtribune.com/sports/t20i-series-charith-asalanka-wants-his-players-to-give-100-against-india-and-win-matches-1545607
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