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SL Skipper Sets Ambitious Tone For New WTC Journey

ABP Live Sports | June 17, 2025 1:11 AM CST

Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva has admitted the squad fell short in their bid to reach the World Test Championship Final — but he remains optimistic as a fresh campaign begins.

As South Africa celebrated their landmark WTC Final victory at Lord’s, de Silva used their success as motivation. Sri Lanka had a realistic opportunity to qualify — but they ended up sixth after failing to win three of their final four Tests, including two at home against Australia and two away against South Africa.

"We had a big chance to get to final but unfortunately we couldn't do it," de Silva commented on the eve of the first Test against Bangladesh.

He reminded his squad of the missed opportunity:

"Even yesterday, when I talked to the boys, I reminded them where we could have been (at Lord's this week), and where we ended up."

With the new WTC cycle underway, de Silva emphasized the critical nature of performing well on home soil.

"As we start a new cycle, we know we have to win our home series. We need to pick up all those points."

Sri Lanka opens the campaign with a two-Test series against Bangladesh, with conditions and preparation tailored to their advantage at home.

Coping With Transition & Limited Tests

Sri Lanka enters this cycle facing significant changes: Dimuth Karunaratne has retired, and Angelo Mathews will hang up his boots after the opening Test. The team also plays just 12 Tests over the next two years — a schedule de Silva admits poses its own challenges.

"Our job as professionals is to adapt to any situation. We have to play the situations we're given—we can't blame anyone...that's not something that is in our hands."

To offset the departures of senior players, Sri Lanka’s selectors have named six uncapped players in the squad — selected based on standout performances in the National Super League.

"We need to prepare for the situations that we do get. We've had a good National Super League recently... We've also identified a few good youngsters through that. We're looking to embark on this next journey with them."