Dinesh Chandimal to replace Lasith Malinga as stand-in T20 captain

Dinesh Chandimal will replace Lasith Malinga, as the stand-in captain of Sri Lanka in the two-match T20 series that ends their tour of New Zealand. Chandimal was the captain in this shorter format of the game before Lasith Malinga, who is currently out with a knee injury, took charge in 2014.

It was earlier reported that Malinga, who injured his knee in their home series against the West Indies earlier this year, would only be out for the five-match ODI series, but now he is deemed unfit for the T20 series as well, which adds an extra responsibility Chandimal’s shoulders.

There have been two replacements in the Sri Lankan side for the T20 series, which include opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka and pacer Suranga Lakmal to come into the T20 squad. They both are also a part of the current One Day Internationals squad.

The news is a major setback for Sri Lanka due to the importance of Malinga in any format of the game. The Lankan side, who are already without two legends, who retired earlier this year, also had to do without the services of Kusal Perera or Dhamika Prasad.

Perera was suspended as he failed a dope test while Dhamika Prasad went back just before the first test due to a back injury.

Sri Lanka’s bad form in this series has been a problem as they lost both the Test matches and are already down 2-0 in the ODI series. New Zealand won both matches convincingly by 7 wickets and 10 wickets.

The second ODI saw the hosts cruise to victory inside the first 10 overs, as Martin Guptill smashed a magnificent 30-ball 93 which obliterated plenty of records in the process.

Though Chandimal’s T20 record is not especially noteworthy, considering he has played 29 matches and has scored only 314 runs with only one half-century to his name, as one of the most experienced members of the side, he will look to lead the inexperienced side in the T20 series, where the visitors will be looking for a consolation win.

Malinga’s absence is already being felt in the ongoing ODI series and while the news is a major blow to the team, the players and fans alike will be hoping that he is fit in time for the World T20 in March.