The defending champions place their faith in the Sri Lankan powerhouse, aiming to blend experience and fearless cricket for another title run.
In a major leadership decision, the Dubai Capitals have appointed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as their captain for the upcoming International League T20 (ILT20) Season 4. The defending champions are placing their trust in Shanaka’s proven T20 pedigree and leadership acumen, hoping he can guide the team to back-to-back titles. This strategic captaincy appointment comes just ahead of their season opener against the Desert Vipers on December 2.
Shanaka, a key member of the Capitals’ championship-winning squad, brings a wealth of experience from over a hundred T20 matches. The 34-year-old is coming off a spectacular individual campaign in the last ILT20 season, where he smashed 164 runs in 12 matches at a staggering strike rate of 202.46. His explosive finishing abilities and calm demeanor under pressure were likely key factors in the franchise’s decision. Expressing his honour, Shanaka said, “It’s a huge honour to lead Dubai Capitals. This franchise has shown tremendous belief in me, and I’m excited to take on the responsibility. We have a balanced, hungry squad, and I’m confident we can play fearless cricket and make our fans proud this season.”
The management’s confidence is shared by head coach Hemang Badani, who endorsed Shanaka as a natural leader. “Dasun brings calmness, intent and a great understanding of the game. He leads by example, and the boys rally around him. With the squad we’ve built and the mindset we carry, we’re looking forward to a strong ILT20 campaign,” Badani stated. This role also serves as a significant audition for Shanaka on the international stage. Recently named the vice-captain of the Sri Lankan T20I team, he is reportedly in contention to become the national side’s full-time captain, with the selectors looking towards the T20 World Cup 2026. This high-profile leadership position with the Capitals could be the perfect platform to solidify his case for the Sri Lanka captaincy.
