Under-pressure Dilshan relinquishes captaincy

Sri Lanka News: Mahela Jayawardene expected to take over the job again >

Sri Lankan cricket continues to get face-lift ever since the New Year began.  After changes in the selection panel and appointment of new coach, Tillakaratne Dilshan is the latest casualty. Though the news has not come as a surprise, it has given Sri Lanka another headache.

Dilshan’s tenure as captain has been a forgettable one both for him as well as his team. In the 11 Tests under him, Sri Lanka won just once losing five. ODIs were no different; 13 losses as opposed to 8 victories in 21 matches.

His own form as captain, particularly in the ODIs, was a real concern for a team searching for lost footings in the international arena after the World Cup where they were the second best.
 
The transition in the Sri Lankan camp had been rather smooth over the past few years. After Mahela, Kumar Sangakkara had led the team successfully before he abruptly decided to step down from captaincy in May 2011. Sri Lanka lost to England (away), Australia (at home), Pakistan (in the UAE) and South Africa recently under Dilshan. The slide slowly sealed the fate for Dilshan and has thrown Sri Lankan cricket at the cross roads again.

Mahela Jayawardene has been offered the role by Cricket Sri Lanka but he has taken some time to ponder over the offer before accepting it for a second term. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal are other possible candidates, but their inexperience at such a difficult time for Sri Lanka may keep them waiting for a while.


Credit: AFP (Image)