Could Sri Lanka's De Silva Overcome Missed Opportunities in the Next WTC Cycle?
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Synopsis
As Sri Lanka gears up for their Test series against Bangladesh, captain Dhananjaya de Silva reflects on missed opportunities in the previous WTC cycle. With a new beginning on the horizon, can his team rise to the challenge and emulate South Africa's triumph?
Key Takeaways
- Dhananjaya de Silva emphasizes learning from past mistakes.
- Sri Lanka aims to gather points in their home series.
- New talent is stepping up to fill the shoes of retiring players.
- Preparation through domestic tournaments has been vital.
- The Test series against Bangladesh is crucial for the team’s future.
Galle, June 16 (NationPress) As preparations were underway for their two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which will inaugurate the new cycle of the World Test Championship, Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva was intently observing the gripping WTC 2023/25 final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's, London.
Despite being captivated by the thrilling match that South Africa ultimately won, marking their first WTC Mace victory, the Sri Lanka captain felt a tinge of regret; with a stroke of luck and commendable performances, Sri Lanka could have been contenders in the WTC 2023-25 final.
Drawing inspiration from South Africa's success at Lord's, skipper de Silva is now focusing on achieving a similar victory for his team in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. He is motivating his players to look up to the Proteas' triumph in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final as Sri Lanka gears up for the new WTC phase.
Sri Lanka had a respectable chance of qualifying for the prestigious event at Lord's in the last cycle. Their route to the final seemed straightforward: secure victory in three out of their remaining four Tests.
Two of these pivotal matches occurred at home against Australia, while the other two presented a challenging away series against South Africa. Ultimately, however, they finished in a disappointing sixth place after suffering heavy losses in all four crucial matches.
For de Silva, this is the inaugural World Test Championship cycle where he is leading from the very start, and he is determined to make every effort count.
"We had a significant opportunity to reach the final, but unfortunately, it slipped away," de Silva expressed to reporters on the eve of the first Test against Bangladesh.
"Yesterday, I reminded the team about our potential position (at Lord's this week) and where we ultimately finished.
"As we embark on a new cycle, we understand the importance of winning our home series. We must accumulate all those points. This is a fantastic chance to initiate a new cycle with a home series."
The upcoming cycle poses a considerable challenge for Sri Lanka. With Dimuth Karunaratne already retired and Angelo Mathews set to exit the format post the first Test.
Despite these hurdles, Dhananjaya de Silva remains focused and wants his team to concentrate on winning as many of the 12 scheduled Tests in this cycle.
The squad selected for the two Tests against Bangladesh features six uncapped players, many chosen based on their impressive domestic performances.
"We need to be prepared for any situations we encounter. We recently had a successful National Super League (Sri Lanka's premier first-class tournament), which has provided us with good preparation. We've also identified several promising youngsters from that. We're excited to embark on this next journey with them," stated De Silva.
Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh in the first of the two Tests starting Tuesday (June 17), marking the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the strategic direction Dhananjaya de Silva is taking with the Sri Lankan team. His emphasis on learning from past mistakes while fostering new talent is a commendable approach. The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will serve as a pivotal moment for the team, potentially setting the tone for their performance in the World Test Championship cycle ahead.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the World Test Championship for Sri Lanka?
The World Test Championship provides Sri Lanka an opportunity to showcase their cricketing talent on a global stage and improve their standing in international cricket.
Who are the key players in the upcoming series against Bangladesh?
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and several uncapped players, identified through strong domestic performances, are expected to play crucial roles in the series.
How has the team prepared for the new WTC cycle?
The team has engaged in rigorous preparation through domestic tournaments, including the National Super League, to build a competitive squad.
What challenges does Sri Lanka face in the new WTC cycle?
The team must overcome the retirement of experienced players and adapt to new talent, which presents both challenges and opportunities.
When does Sri Lanka's Test series against Bangladesh begin?
Sri Lanka's Test series against Bangladesh begins on June 17, marking the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
