Shanaka announces departure as India prepares for next WC

The Sri Lankan national cricket team has been through a lot over the years, from winning Asia Cup finals to battling tough opposition and injuries. But one name stands out in recent memory—Dasun Shanaka. The versatile all-rounder who captained his country for two years before stepping down last week.

In an exclusive chat with Cricbuzz, Shanaka opened up about his captaincy journey, the challenges he faced, and his vision for the future of Sri Lankan cricket. Here’s a glimpse into his thoughts:

A Journey of Captaining

Shanaka always had a smile on his face, no matter how tough the game was for him or his team. He managed to carry that positivity throughout his time as captain, leading the Sri Lankan side to an unbeaten start in the BPL this year.

He shared how he initially didn’t have any interest in captaining Sri Lanka at the time—it wasn’t about personal achievement but about building a team and attracting the crowd for cricket. His vision was clear: create a cohesive unit of players who could perform well on the big stage, even if they weren’t the most prominent names.

“Up to a certain extent, we managed to do that,” he said. “I’m very happy that players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Matheesha Pathirana were able to perform well at the higher stage under my leadership.”

Shanaka’s ability to motivate his team was rooted in providing them with confidence. He gave them assurance that they could succeed if they put their best foot forward.

Challenges and Regret

The journey of captaincy wasn’t without its struggles. Shanaka admitted that he faced tough decisions, such as dropping the captaincy initially because no one else wanted to take over. However, his leadership paid off, leading the team to a series win against Pakistan—a moment he’ll always cherish.

He also reflected on why he decided to step down:

“I was never meant to be a permanent player in this setup,” he said. “But somehow, my name came up again after winning the World Cup series against Pakistan. I think we need to prepare someone else for the next WC.”

A Vision for the Future

For Shanaka, leaving captaincy wasn’t just about stepping back. It was a moment of clarity—he knew it was time to hand over the baton to someone else who could carry on his legacy.

“Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana have been my players,” he said. “They came in and played well, and I don’t listen to many people since I had a clear vision of what we were doing.”

Shanaka’s tenure as captain was marked by both success and challenges. He knows that the future of Sri Lankan cricket depends on preparing someone else to take charge.

The Rivalry with Bangladesh

While he was stepping down, Shanaka also reflected on his rivalry with Bangladesh in international cricket. He acknowledged the talent of players like Shanto, Hridoy, and Tanzid but emphasized that Bangladesh’s bowlers would be a challenge for any team.

“Bangladesh will have their own set of challenges,” he said. “They are producing top players now, so we need to play our best.”

Shanaka’s Legacy

Despite the tough times, Shanaka’s leadership was instrumental in Sri Lankan cricket’s resurgence. He knows that his decision to step down is a testament to the depth and potential of the team.

“Sri Lanka has come a long way,” he said. “We have young players who are producing good results on the field. I think we need to focus on building a strong foundation for the future.”

Conclusion

Dasun Shanaka’s decision to quit captaincy is a momentous one, but it also marks the beginning of something new. For Sri Lanka, it means preparing someone else to lead and guide the team towards its next chapter.

As he said, “We need to prepare someone for the next WC.” And with players like Hasaranga, Pathirana, and Theekshana ready to take on the challenge, the future looks bright indeed.

Shanaka’s journey reminds us that leadership is not just about holding a position—it’s about leaving behind something greater than oneself.