New Delhi, Nov 26 (NationPress) With just two months remaining before co-hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka is on the verge of a significant captaincy shake-up. Chief selector Upul Tharanga has revealed that the selection committee is currently exploring options beyond captain Charith Asalanka, who is facing mounting pressure.

Tharanga emphasized that "no decision" has yet been reached, despite Asalanka's lackluster performance and his early exit from the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan, which has fueled speculation about his future.

“We need to evaluate our best choices after this series,” Tharanga told ESPNcricinfo when asked about the possibility of a leadership change for Sri Lanka. “With the World Cup approaching, we cannot afford to make significant alterations. The selectors will consult with the coach to determine what is best for the team.”

Tharanga clarified that Asalanka's return from Pakistan last week did not initiate discussions regarding a new captain. He noted that selecting Dasun Shanaka, the former white-ball captain, as vice-captain for the tour was a strategic move. "That was to provide us with another option."

Speculation surrounding Asalanka's mid-series flight back to Colombo being disciplinary spread rapidly, especially following reports of player unease due to a suicide bombing in Islamabad.

However, Tharanga dismissed these rumors, asserting it was solely a medical issue. “Charith remains our captain,” he stated. “The decision to appoint Dasun as stand-in captain was due to Charith's illness. Charith still holds a place in our plans. We have not decided to alter that. Our intention has always been for Charith to lead in the World Cup.”

Tharanga further detailed that Asalanka’s health complications made it unfeasible for the team to wait for his recovery. “He had a viral fever, accompanied by body aches,” he explained. “The physio informed us that predicting Charith's recovery was challenging, which led to our decision.”

He also pointed out the team's persistent struggles in the middle order. “We've faced issues in the middle order, lacking consistency. If he couldn’t participate, we needed a replacement. That’s why we called Charith back to Sri Lanka.”

Asalanka has only amassed 156 runs in 12 innings this year, with a strike rate of 122. His T20I statistics have remained modest, posting a strike rate of 126 over 68 innings. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka has won 11 and lost 14 matches. Nevertheless, Tharanga underscored that the team's World Cup strategy still heavily hinges on the batter.

“Charith is an exceptionally skilled cricketer, bringing a wealth of experience. I am confident he will play a pivotal role for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup,” he remarked. “We have witnessed his ability in the middle order, where he has single-handedly secured victories. He is integral to our World Cup strategy.”