'What I really want is to get 100% out of my players' - Charith Asalanka makes intentions clear ahead of first T20I against India

Sri Lanka have had disastrous outings at the ICC events recently as they were ousted from the group stages of World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024. Then captain Wanindu Hasaranga and head coach of Sri Lanka stepped down from their roles as Charith Asalanka held captaincy reigns and Sanath Jayasuriya became the interim coach. Ahead of the white-ball series against India, Asalanka has stressed the players give their 100 percent on the field. 

India have reached Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs with the first T20I starting on July 27 in Pallekele. The team lacks experience as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20Is and new skipper, Suryakumar Yadav is now leading the team full-time for the first time. Asalanka stressed that he expects players to play fearless cricket to overpower the young Indian team.

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“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 as quoted by News18.

LPL is at a much higher level: Asalanka

It is worth noting that, Asalanka led Jaffna Kings to a title win in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League 2024. While shedding light on the impact of the tournament, he added that players who do well in LPL should get a chance in the national team and termed the league as tougher than domestic cricket.

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“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 added.