Kapugedera doubtful for 4th ODI, Sri Lanka in search of captain

Photo: AP

New Delhi: There is a high possibility that Sri Lanka might have to change their captain for the second time in a span of two matches, as stand-in captain Chamara Kapugedera’s participation in the fourth ODI on Sunday is doubtful. 

Kapugedera, who replaced Upul Tharanga as the captain after the latter was slapped with a two-match suspension for slow over rate, hurt his back while fielding in the third ODI at Pallekele.

The right-handed middle order batsman is believed to have aggravated his long-sustained back injury during the previous match and has since then not attended the training session.

Though Kapugedara’s injury is not that serious, he has been advised rest by the doctors.

"I was talking to the physio and he hasn't been ruled out quite yet," cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha said of Kapugedara. "He's being treated. Only five or six guys are training tonight, so anyway we gave him a break. We'll most probably look at it tomorrow (Wednesday) at training tomorrow afternoon. If he doesn't train tomorrow then definitely he is out."

Sri Lanka, already in dire states, having lost all the matches in the series so far, would be in deeper trouble if Kapugedera does not recover in time.

If he doesn’t regain full fitness then Lasith Malinga could be asked to lead Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI. 

Upul Tharanga will be back in the fifth ODI to take over reins.