In the wake of Sri Lanka’s dismal performance in England, going by the 29-member squad for the home limited overs tour against India, it is significant that the selectors have once again accentuated on the new theming on the rebuilding curve with the future in mind. Batting all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is tipped to take over the captaincy mantle from Kusal Janith Perera following England’s total domination of the T20 and ODI series all of which England won with the final ODI rain abandoned.

The squad against India interestingly sees the recall of the hard hitting left-hander Bhanuka Rajapaksa after he passed the 2 kilometer fitness test jog while also recalled are namely Ashen Bandara, the promising youth player and fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha.

Of course, the strong theming by the selectors that new brooms is the way forward is a clear indication of pinning faith on the new cast despite initial failure. Certainly the school of thought that results will not come overnight does hold given the fact that these youngsters, the majority of whom with next to no experience in top flight international cricket are in a progressive elevation phase of their careers.

For the record, none of the prospective young batters including Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Pathum Nissanka Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya Lakshan and Ramesh Mendis came good though Osahada, Dhananjaya and Mendis got just the one opportunity. Notably, 31-year old all-round batsman Ishan Jayaratne, who is also in the squad, was the only player not to have got any exposure in England.

-The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sri Lanka Cricket-