Charith Asalanka’s return to Sri Lanka’s white-ball leadership group is one of the biggest talking points in the squads named for the upcoming tour of England.
Just months after losing the captaincy, Asalanka has been appointed vice-captain of both the ODI and T20I teams, with Kusal Mendis taking over as captain in both formats.
The decision represents a remarkable turnaround for a player who was not even included in Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the recent West Indies tour. Asalanka’s removal from the captaincy came after a difficult period, but his impressive performances in the Lanka Premier League have earned him another opportunity at international level.
Sri Lanka will play three T20Is and three ODIs against England, beginning with the first T20I at Southampton on September 15, followed by matches in Cardiff and Manchester. The ODI series will then be played in Durham, Leeds and London, with the final ODI scheduled for September 27.
The Sri Lankan team is scheduled to leave for England on September 5.
Asalanka’s road back
Asalanka’s recall is particularly significant because his omission from the West Indies T20I squad came after a prolonged decline in his batting form.
According to the background provided by the Sunday Times, Asalanka had scored only 255 runs in 19 innings since January 2025. His form, however, improved dramatically during the LPL, where he played an important role for champions Galle Gallants and scored three half-centuries.
That resurgence has now resulted not only in his return to the T20I squad but also his elevation to vice-captain.
And that raises an obvious question.
If Asalanka is considered good enough to be vice-captain today, why was he not considered good enough to remain captain only a few months ago?
There may be perfectly legitimate reasons behind the change. Leadership decisions are influenced by form, team dynamics, long-term planning and the direction selectors want to take.
But the speed of the turnaround highlights the lack of consistency that has sometimes surrounded Sri Lanka’s white-ball leadership.
Nevertheless, Asalanka now has an opportunity to put the controversy behind him. Rather than carrying the responsibility of captaincy, he can concentrate on his batting while supporting Kusal Mendis.
Shanaka gets another chance
The other major talking point is the return of Dasun Shanaka to the ODI squad.
Shanaka, who turns 35 next month, captained Sri Lanka at the previous ODI World Cup but subsequently lost his place as selectors moved towards a younger combination.
His recall suggests that the selectors believe Sri Lanka still need an experienced, powerful finisher as they build towards the next 50-over World Cup in South Africa.
Shanaka has played 71 ODIs, scoring 1,299 runs with two centuries and four half-centuries. His ability to provide power in the lower middle order could be particularly valuable in English conditions.
His selection also represents something of a reversal in policy. Having previously been considered surplus to requirements, Shanaka has now been given another opportunity to prove that experience still has a place in Sri Lanka’s ODI plans.
New faces and returning stars
The ODI squad also includes uncapped leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage, who has impressed in domestic cricket.
Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka return to the white-ball setup after missing the recent Test series against India through injury.
The T20I squad includes another interesting selection in Lahiru Udara, the leading run-scorer in the LPL. Udara scored 434 runs in nine innings, including a tournament-best 132 not out.
Ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake also receives a T20I call-up.
The ODI squad
Sri Lanka’s 16-member ODI squad:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (vice-captain), Kusal Mendis (captain), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
It is a combination of established names, returning players and emerging talent.
The presence of Shanaka alongside younger players such as Pavan Rathnayake and Sachindu Colombage gives the squad an interesting balance as Sri Lanka look towards the next World Cup cycle.
The T20I squad
The 16-member T20I squad:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis (captain), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (vice-captain), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando.
The T20I selection has a strong blend of batting firepower, all-rounders and varied bowling options.
A test of Kusal Mendis’ leadership
For Kusal Mendis, the England tour represents another important stage in his captaincy career.
He was appointed Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain earlier this year, replacing Asalanka in the ODI setup and taking over the T20I leadership structure as well. The change was part of a broader reshaping of Sri Lanka’s white-ball leadership.
Now he has the responsibility of leading a team that includes the former captain as his deputy.
That relationship could become one of the defining features of Sri Lanka’s campaign.
If Mendis and Asalanka can work effectively together, the leadership change could ultimately prove beneficial. Asalanka’s experience as captain can be valuable, while Mendis can focus on establishing his own leadership identity.
