With the next ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle set to commence after the 2025 final at Lord’s in June, Sri Lanka’s cricket selectors, led by chief selector Upul Tharanga, are facing a challenging task. The futures of three stalwarts—Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal—hang in the balance as the selectors weigh recent performances against the need to build a stronger team for the next WTC campaign.
Post-South Africa Review
Sri Lanka’s hopes of making it to the WTC final were dashed after a dismal series against South Africa, where they suffered back-to-back defeats. The series highlighted several weaknesses, with underperforming senior players being a significant concern. As the team looks toward the future, Tharanga has indicated that candid discussions will be held with Karunaratne, Mathews, and Chandimal to decide the way forward.
Tharanga stressed that any decisions would be made with mutual understanding and fairness. However, he also acknowledged the selectors’ responsibility to prioritize the team’s long-term success over individual legacies.
Dimuth Karunaratne: A Captain Nearing the End?
Dimuth Karunaratne, now 36, has been a stalwart for Sri Lanka, leading the team as captain and opening the batting for over a decade. However, his recent performance has raised serious concerns. He has gone 19 innings without a century, with his last notable performance being several matches ago.
Approaching his 100th Test, Karunaratne’s experience is invaluable, but his diminishing returns make him a contentious choice for the upcoming series against Australia. Tharanga has hinted at giving the veteran one last chance to regain form, but failure to perform could result in Karunaratne being dropped—a significant shift for a player once seen as indispensable.
Angelo Mathews: The Veteran Under Scrutiny
At 37, Angelo Mathews remains one of Sri Lanka’s most decorated Test cricketers, amassing over 8,000 runs in a career spanning 16 years. Yet, his recent form tells a different story, with just one century in his last 18 innings. Mathews has long been a symbol of reliability for the team, contributing in both batting and leadership roles.
However, his struggles with consistency have placed him in a precarious position. While the selectors value his experience, they are also aware that keeping him in the team without notable contributions could hinder the development of younger players waiting in the wings.
Dinesh Chandimal: Running Out of Time?
Dinesh Chandimal, at 35, has shown glimpses of his former self but has struggled to consistently deliver match-winning performances. His recent outings in South Africa were lackluster, raising questions about his ability to perform under pressure.
Chandimal’s journey has been one of highs and lows, with his role in the middle order often being pivotal. However, with a new generation of players knocking on the door, the selectors are closely evaluating whether Chandimal still has a place in the Test squad beyond the upcoming series against Australia.
The Path Forward: Balancing Experience and Youth
The selectors face a delicate balancing act. While the experience of Karunaratne, Mathews, and Chandimal has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s Test setup, their recent struggles highlight the need for rejuvenation. Tharanga and his team must decide whether to persist with these veterans or to infuse fresh talent into the squad.
The upcoming series against Australia in early 2024 will serve as a crucial litmus test. Failure to perform could see these stalwarts make way for younger players, signaling a new era for Sri Lanka’s Test cricket.
Tharanga has emphasized that blind loyalty to experienced players at the cost of performance will not bode well for Sri Lanka’s cricketing future. The decisions made in the coming months will not only determine the careers of these senior players but will also chart the course for the team’s resurgence on the international stage.
As Sri Lanka prepares for the next WTC cycle, the selectors’ choices will reflect their vision for the future—whether to rely on seasoned campaigners or to usher in a new generation of talent ready to take the team forward.
