Former Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal is set to join the Desert Vipers as they enhance their roster for the inaugural ILT20 tournament in the UAE. Alongside him are left-arm wrist spinner Jake Lintott and fast-bowling all-rounder Gus Atkinson, strengthening an already formidable squad.
Tom Moody, the Director of Cricket for the Desert Vipers, expressed enthusiasm about the new signings. He emphasized that Chandimal’s leadership, Atkinson’s pace, and Lintott’s skill bring significant value and depth to the team, enabling more strategic options during matches.
Chandimal boasts an extensive international career, having participated in 70 Tests, 157 ODIs, and 58 T20 Internationals for Sri Lanka, and has captained the national team 57 times. Moody believes that this wealth of experience will be crucial for the Desert Vipers. He remarked on Chandimal’s natural leadership qualities and versatility, noting his ability to adapt to various batting positions and his recognized skills as a wicketkeeper.
Although not currently part of the Sri Lankan T20I squad, Chandimal sees the ILT20 as an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities on a global stage. He expressed gratitude to the Desert Vipers’ management and coaching staff for the invitation to compete in the league, stating his eagerness to perform well and make a significant impact.
Chandimal highlighted the league as a platform for players of all levels to showcase their skills in front of live audiences. He emphasized the potential for strong performances in T20 cricket to lead to future opportunities across various leagues worldwide.
Moody also views the ILT20 as a vital chance for Chandimal to remind Sri Lankan selectors of his potential. He acknowledged that while Chandimal was on the reserve list for the recent T20 World Cup, he is still very much in contention. Moody noted that the competition for T20 spots in Sri Lanka is intense, particularly in the wicketkeeper-batsman category, yet he remains optimistic about Chandimal’s prospects.
The upcoming ILT20 could serve to reinforce Chandimal’s position as a valuable asset in all three formats of cricket, especially after his recent performances in the Lanka Premier League. Moody is confident that Chandimal’s contributions to the Desert Vipers will reaffirm his status as a well-rounded player capable of excelling in international cricket.