Dasun Shanaka recently resigned from the captaincy.
Dasun Shanaka consistently wears a smile on his face, regardless of his on-field form. Currently contributing to Khulna Tigers’ undefeated start in this year’s BPL, he shared insights on his captaincy stint with the Sri Lankan national team and praised players like Wanindu Hasaranga in a conversation with Cricbuzz in Sylhet.
Excerpts from the Interview:
On Getting Captaincy:
“No one was interested in Sri Lankan cricket at that time. We were losing to every team. My motive was to build a team, perform as a unit, and attract the crowd and community to Sri Lanka for cricket. I’m happy players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Matheesha Pathirana performed well after I became captain.”
On Motivating Young Players:
“It’s about providing confidence and assurance. I gave them confidence that nothing will happen to them, and they repaid the faith. We planned before games, and they had a clear mindset during my captaincy.”
On Wanindu Hasaranga:
“He has a good cricketing brain and is a natural athlete. I just needed to throw the ball, and he did the rest. We had a clear plan during my captaincy.”
On Stepping Down as Captain:
“These youngsters are playing well, and it’s a good time to leave. I can give advice and support. We need to prepare someone for the next World Cup, and I think it’s the best time.”
On Becoming Captain:
“I was never meant to be a captain. I got it unexpectedly, and everything happened for a reason. I had a clear vision, the right mindset, and I was cool and chill. I became captain somehow, and thanks to the SLC officials.”
On Missing the Champions Trophy in 2025:
“It can happen to any team. Facilities in other countries have evolved, and associate nations are rising. Sri Lanka needs to rethink and restructure cricket.”
On Criticism After Asia Cup Final Loss:
“The only thing that upset me was my injuries. I had a tennis elbow, couldn’t hit boundaries, but I tried to play well. I’m not worried about critics; I must be thankful to them for the support.”
On the Bangladesh Rivalry:
“We respect Bangladesh and their good cricketers. We know we have to play our best cricket against them.”
On T20 World Cup Chances:
“We have an advantage playing in the USA and West Indies, but batsmen need to play well. It’s up to them to put up a good score for the bowlers.”
On Hasaranga’s Leadership:
“Hasaranga will be more aggressive than anyone. He wants to win the game and has that hunger. He is an attacking cricketer.”
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