Sri Lanka World Cup squad: Key questions
- All eyes will be on Dimuth Karunaratne. He was named captain of the team on Wednesday, 17 April, and that was a surprise to a few, given Karunaratne last played an ODI in March 2015 – the previous World Cup. However, he did captain Sri Lanka to a historic Test victory in South Africa earlier this year. Can that buoy the team in the premier event? Or will his lack of ODI experience be laid bare?
- Dinesh Chandimal is back in the selection fray, and that bodes well for Sri Lanka. He is an experienced campaigner, who captained Sri Lanka in their last ODI win in October 2018. While his form has been shaky in recent times, there are plenty who believe his good cricketing brain could prove valuable in high-stakes tournament.
- Sri Lanka's pace attack will likely be led by the veteran Lasith Malinga. He's been in terrific form, and notably picked up 10/83 across two games in two days recently. Isuru Udana, who showed batting prowess in South Africa, and Thisara Perera, are capable medium pacers and add all-round depth to the side. But who will be the back-up pacer, especially keeping in mind friendly conditions in England and Wales?
- Spin is traditionally a strength for Sri Lanka, but it's an area that has caused consternation recently, primarily through Lakshan Sandakan, the left-arm wrist-spinner, who has squandered his chances to make a mark – he picked up just one wicket in his last six ODIs, despite bowling his full quota of 10 overs in five of them. Should Sri Lanka give him another go?
- Sri Lanka's performances at ICC events have usually been impressive. However, since the last World Cup, they haven't quite hit the straps. In 84 ODIs since ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2015, they have won 23 and lost 55. They have not won a single bilateral ODI series since May 2016. But they were the quarter-finalists in the 2015 World Cup, and the runners-up in 2011 and 2007. What can we expect from them this time?