Charith Asalanka has been named vice-captain of Sri Lanka’s white-ball teams, just months after being removed as the national white-ball captain.
The decision marks a remarkable turnaround for the left-hander, who lost the captaincy after a difficult period for Sri Lanka’s limited-overs teams.
Now, rather than being pushed out of the leadership group, Asalanka has been brought back into a senior leadership role as deputy to the new captain.
It raises an interesting question: if Asalanka is good enough to be vice-captain today, why was he not considered good enough to continue as captain just a few months ago?
Whatever the reasoning behind the change, the latest decision suggests Sri Lanka still sees Asalanka as an important part of its leadership structure.
The bigger challenge now is to provide him with the stability and clarity needed to perform at his best, both as a player and as a leader.
From captain to vice-captain in a matter of months. Sri Lanka’s leadership story continues to take another turn.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad – England Tour 20261. Pathum Nissanka
2. Kamil Mishara
3. Kamindu Mendis
4. Charith Asalanka – Vice Captain
5. Kusal Mendis – Captain
6. Janith Liyanage
7. Pavan Rathnayake
8. Dasun Shanaka
9. Wanindu Hasaranga
10. Dunith Wellalage
11. Maheesh Theekshana
12. Sachindu Colombage
13. Dushmantha Chameera
14. Eshan Malinga
15. Asitha Fernando
16. Dilshan Madushanka
Sri Lanka T20I Squad – England Tour 20261. Pathum Nissanka
2. Kamil Mishara
3. Lahiru Udara
4. Kusal Mendis – Captain
5. Kamindu Mendis
6. Charith Asalanka – Vice Captain
7. Janith Liyanage
8. Dasun Shanaka
9. Dunith Wellalage
10. Wanindu Hasaranga
11. Maheesh Theekshana
12. Tharindu Rathnayake
13. Dushmantha Chameera
14. Eshan Malinga
15. Nuwan Thushara
16. Binura Fernando
Tour: Sri Lanka will play 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs in England.
Departure: 5 September 2026.