Kapugedera, Malinga in squad for Champions Trophy
2017 a fairytale comeback for Kapugedera?
The year 2017 could well go down as the comeback year in international cricket for Chamara Kapugedera. At age 30 the right hander, who had conspicuously evaporated off the international cricketing radar appearing and disappearing in fits and starts following an erosion of early promise, has indeed ignited new expectations in the breasts of home cricket fans. What has certainly set off the buzz is the naming of the Kandy born Kapugedera in a 15-man squad for the June 1 to 18 Champions Trophy in England and Wales.
Kapugedera’s inclusion has been on suddenly looming from the pedestrian 20 to 30 odd scores in the sparse ODI and T20 outings to mounting a sound half century in the final T20 against Bangladesh, and two remarkable centuries in the ongoing Super Provincial Tournamnt. Experts say that the coaching staff have been behind the lad in a long enough re-nurturing process that has lent the sufficient fusion to his bat beginning to talk. Watching Kapugedera in action in recent outings has certainly given the impression of a spring in his step. Solidly built he certainly looms big in terms of fitness, and winning back form to good measure does certainly raise new hope; new hope bordering on great expectations that 2017 could well be the transforming year in Chamara Kapugedera’s career. For, significantly his selection for cricket’s showpiece event – the next big jackpot from the world cup – comes in a tightrope exercise by the national selectors with a dime a dozen top contenders throwing their hats in the ring. One cannot but extend a big welcome hand to the big fold for the big event wishing his day with the bat would arrive.
Meanwhile, the other adrenaline pumping selection of course, is that of the recall of the Slinger King with the ball Lasith Malinga from a long injury sidelining having played his last ODI against the the West Indies at Pallekele on Nov 7, 2015. The Malinga value to Sri Lankan cricket has been immense; from his magic hat-trick phenomena that has rightfully put him in the single elite stock as the ‘King of Hat-tricks to his role in leading Sri Lanka to the 2014 T20 World Cup. The 33-year old from down South Galle has been the epitome of lethal toe crushing bowling that has seen world experts regard Malinga as the master in the art of death bowling or crunch moments. That he has nursed himself back at long last from a knee injury that debilitated self and country for quite sometime must certainly raise the morale of the team; and as well the expectations of cricket fans at large.
SRI LANKA SQUAD:
Angelo Mathews (Capt.), Upul Tharanga (V. Capt), Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Asela Gunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Nuwan Kulasekera, Thisara Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Seekuge Prasanna.
Standby on tour:
Dilruwan Perera, Dhanushka Gunathilaka.
By Srian Obeyesekere
-The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sri Lanka Cricket-
