Former Sri Lanka white ball skipper Dasun Shanaka was recently spotted with the Delhi Capitals side, sparking speculations of him joining the franchise as Harry Brook's replacement ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). (More Cricket News)
As per a report in Sri Lankan publication Daily News, Shanaka has joined the Capitals as a replacement for Brook who withdrew from the competition earlier this month. The English youngster will now serve a two-year ban from registering in the auction as he pulled out of the competition at the eleventh hour without any valid reasons.
Shanaka, who is currently out of the Sri Lankan setup, was a part of Dubai Capitals side which lifted the ILT20 trophy earlier this year. Shanaka smashed 164 runs at a blistering strike rate of 202.46 in the tournament which included a crucial 10-ball 21 in the final. He is already training in India and an official announcement regarding his signing is expected to be made soon.
An explosive lower-order batter and a handy medium pacer, Shanaka last played international cricket in July 2024. He was bowled on a Golden Duck in his last international outing which was against India in Pallekele.
Shanaka was listed at INR 75 lakhs in the auction but went unsold. He had earlier been part of Gujarat Titans where he joined as a replacement player during the 2023 season. The Sri Lankan could score only 23 runs in three innings and did not get a chance to bowl.
When he officially joins the Capitals, Shanaka will become the eighth Sri Lankan with an IPL 2025 contract. Pacer Matheesha Pathirana was retained by Chennai Super Kings while six others, including Wanindu Hasaranga and young sensation Kamindu Mendis, found teams in the auction.
Delhi Capitals will be led by Axar Patel this season with Faf du Plessis playing his deputy's role. They begin their campaign on Monday, March 24 against Lucknow Super Giants in Vishakapatnam.
