CWC 2019: Karunaratne in contention to lead Sri Lanka during the World Cup

Dimuth Karunaratne has not played an ODI for Sri Lanka since 2015.

Dimuth Karunaratne | Getty

Dimuth Karunaratne might not just make a return to Sri Lanka's ODI squad but captain his nation as well in this year's ICC Cricket World Cup. He has been asked to play the domestic provincial List A competition in April as the selectors wish to gauge Karunaratne's overall credentials in the aftermath of the disastrous 5-0 whitewash versus South Africa recently. 

"The selectors haven't confirmed anything, but they've told me to keep in mind there's a possibility I could become one-day captain," he told ESPNcricinfo. "They've asked me to stay back for the provincial tournament. If I get picked for the World Cup squad, there will be camps and training after that as well."

Karunaratne, whose appointment will only be an addition to many leadership options that have been tried by Sri Lanka, last played an ODI during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The 30-year-old has only featured in 17 ODIs since making his debut in the format in 2011 and tallies just 190 runs at an average of 15.8 and strike-rate of 68.8. But he did smash a 109-run knock from 115 balls for Sinhalese Sports Club in the semi-final encounter of the Premier Limited Over tournament back home. 

However, it is learnt that Lasith Malinga is also in the mix to keep his job despite unsuccessfully leading the side against the Proteas. Former limited overs skipper Angelo Matthews is in consideration as well besides Karunaratne, who seems to have impressed the board a lot.

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 19 Mar, 2019

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