Dhananjaya de Silva Returns to Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad for England Series

Sri Lanka have received a timely boost ahead of their upcoming ODI series against England with the return of experienced all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva to the national squad. His inclusion marks an important step as Sri Lanka look to rebuild consistency in the 50-over format and challenge one of the strongest white-ball teams in world cricket.

Dhananjaya de Silva has been a key figure in Sri Lanka’s middle order over the years. Known for his calm temperament, technical batting ability, and handy off-spin bowling. His return adds much-needed balance to the squad, especially in conditions. Where all-rounders play a crucial role in controlling the tempo of the game. The team management is expected to rely on his experience to stabilize the innings during pressure situations and provide tactical flexibility.

The ODI series against England is seen as a significant test for Sri Lanka, not only in terms of results. But also as part of their long-term planning. England’s aggressive brand of white-ball cricket demands discipline, adaptability, and smart decision-making—areas where Dhananjaya’s experience could prove invaluable. His ability to rotate the strike, build partnerships, and accelerate when required makes him a strong asset in the middle overs.

From a bowling perspective, Dhananjaya’s off-spin offers the captain an additional option, particularly against England’s left-handed batters. His presence allows Sri Lanka to manage workloads of frontline bowlers and maintain control in crucial phases of the match. This versatility is especially important in ODIs, where balance often determines success.

Dhananjaya de Silva

The selection also reflects Sri Lanka Cricket’s focus on blending experience with emerging talent. While younger players bring energy and fearlessness. Seasoned campaigners like Dhananjaya provide stability and leadership on the field. His return could also help mentor upcoming players, guiding them through high-pressure international contests.

As the England series approaches, Sri Lankan fans will be eager to see how Dhananjaya de Silva performs on his comeback. A strong showing could not only strengthen Sri Lanka’s chances in the series. But also cement his role in the team’s ODI plans going forward. With conditions, opposition, and expectations all lining up, his return adds an intriguing storyline to what promises to be a competitive and closely watched series.

It’s time to move on from the success of the T20 World Cup and concentrate on the future: Rohit Sharma

The skipper stated that it was difficult to choose between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the role of wicketkeeper batter for India in the One-Day Internationals, despite the fact that both players are “match-winners” in their own right. Captain Rohit Sharma stated that it was time to move past the joy of winning the T20 World Cup.

And look forward to the new challenges that Team India will face going forward. Including the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled for next year. Ahead of the 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

“I enjoyed my time away from cricket. Coming home after winning the World Cup was an amazing sensation, especially considering all we went through in Delhi and Mumbai. However, as the game of cricket progresses, we must also move on,” Rohit remarked on the eve of Thursday’s first ODI between Sri Lanka and India.

India vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup

“Anything we have done in the past has been beneficial for the time it was done. But we must continue to go forward because time is not stopping. That’s what transpired following the World Cup in 2023. Although there was a great deal of disappointment, we had to move on and focus on this World Cup. We need to consider our future as a team now that the T20 World Cup is finished. Indeed, there is much to anticipate a major tournament is soon to take place, he continued.

Rohit stated, “I know Gambhir for a very long time and we have played a little bit of cricket together,” in reference to the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir. He knows exactly what he wants from the team and is quite clear-headed.

Basically, the topics of our conversations have been what the team needs, our weaknesses, our successes, etc. The topic of conversation was how to move the team forward. However, we shouldn’t make too many long-term plans. He explained that the purpose of the three games we have scheduled is to learn from them about how to play and what we want to accomplish in ODI cricket.