Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down as captain.

Wanindu Hasaranga was named T20 captain by Sri Lanka late last year, replacing Dasun Shanaka. But after just six months in charge, the top all-rounder in the format stepped down.

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On Thursday (July 11), the Sri Lanka Cricket Board announced Hasaranga's decision to step down as captain in a press release.

Hasaranga did not give any reason for leaving the leadership. He wrote in his resignation letter, 'As a player, I will always give my best to the Sri Lankan team. I will always stand by my team and support the leadership.'

Sri Lanka played in the last Twenty20 World Cup under the captaincy of Hasaranga. The Lankans failed to reach the group stage in the 20-team World Cup. It is believed that Hasaranga is leaving the leadership under pressure after the failure in the World Cup.

Under the leadership of Hasaranga, Sri Lanka played 10 T20 matches and won six of them. Under his captaincy, the Lankans won the series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe this year.

Hasaranga currently plays for Kandy Falcons in the Lankan Premier League. Last year in this tournament he made his team the champion and became the best player of the tournament. This time, however, his performance is not so good and his team is also not in a good position. Yet he continues to lead for Kandy.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against India later this month. Before that series, the Lankans have to decide on the new captain. Charith Asalanka is the frontrunner to take up this responsibility. He is leading the Jaffna Kings in the ongoing season of LPL.

The news of Wanindu Hasaranga leaving the captaincy is a big blow for Sri Lankan cricket. The team won a few important matches under his leadership but overall they did not taste success. The failure in the T20 World Cup group stage in particular was disappointing for many. This created pressure for Hasaranga and eventually, he decided to give up the leadership.

A new party is expected to be formed under the leadership of Charith Asalanka. Asalanka is a talented player and has captaincy experience as well. He captained the Jaffna Kings in the LPL and was praised for his tactical leadership.

On the other hand, Hasaranga will concentrate on his playing career. His all-round performance has been important for the team and his promise to give his best as a player is a relief for the team.

Time will tell how the days ahead will go for the Sri Lankan team. However, cricket lovers are hoping that the team will return to the path of success with new leadership and new strategies.

Finally, Sri Lankan cricket fans are hopeful that the team will play with renewed vigor and give their best performance in the upcoming series against India. The Sri Lankan team under the leadership of Asalanka will start a new chapter and cricket lovers will continue to support them.