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Charith Asalanka

Silver medal icon (S initial)
Silver medal icon (S initial) Image: Wikimedia Commons. en:User:Andrwsc and others / Public domain

Overview

Kariyawasam Indipalage Charith Asalanka (born 29 June 1997) is a Sri Lankan professional cricketer who serves as the captain of the Sri Lanka national team in the One Day International (ODI) format. A left-handed batsman known for his aggressive stroke-play, he typically bats at number five in the ODI order and bowls part-time off spin, which he uses as a useful all-round option on pitches assisting spinners.

Key facts

Full name Kariyawasam Indipalage Charith Asalanka
Date of birth 29 June 1997
Nationality Sri Lankan
Batting style Left-handed
Bowling style Right-arm off spin (part-time)
Usual batting position (ODI) Number five
National team Sri Lanka
International debut June 2021
Current role Captain, Sri Lanka ODI team

Background

Asalanka is a top-order left-handed batsman whose game is built around aggressive stroke-making. In addition to his primary role with the bat, he bowls part-time off spin and is regarded as a handy contributor with the ball, particularly on surfaces that offer assistance to spinners, where he has the potential to take useful wickets and operate as an all-rounder.

Career

International debut

Asalanka made his international debut for Sri Lanka in June 2021. At the time of his debut, the Sri Lanka national team was led by Dasun Shanaka.

ODI captaincy

Asalanka subsequently took over the captaincy of the Sri Lanka national team in the ODI format, the role in which he currently leads the side.

Playing style

Asalanka is described as an aggressive left-handed batsman who occupies the middle order in ODIs, typically batting at number five. His off-spin bowling, although a secondary skill, gives the team an additional option in the middle overs, and on spin-friendly pitches he can play the role of an all-rounder by chipping in with wickets.

Significance

As the ODI captain of Sri Lanka, Asalanka holds one of the principal leadership positions in Sri Lankan cricket. His combination of aggressive middle-order batting and part-time off spin makes him a multi-dimensional figure within the national set-up.

References