Dilshan refusing to quit

Wednesday, 23 November 2011 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lankan skipper admits uncertain future

Under-fire Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan wants to lead another tour before deciding on his future.

But he admitted next month’s trip to South Africa could be his last at the helm.

Dilshan watched his side slump to their third one-day series defeat in a row when Pakistan beat them by 26 runs on Sunday.

The 35-year-old took over from Kumar Sangakkara after they finished as World Cup runners-up in April, but has presided over a Sri Lankan team struggling for consistency since.

A number of calls have been made for Dilshan’s departure, though he has recently received the backing of legendary Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya.

Dilshan said: “I don’t know what the selectors’ views are.

“I was appointed captain until the South Africa series so I didn’t think about being sacked.

“But after the South Africa tour, let’s see how it goes from there.”

Pakistan, inspired by Shahid Afridi, edged out the Sri Lankans to claim an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. Sri Lanka have also lost Test and one-day series in both England and Australia under Dilshan’s stewardship.

But he insists the captaincy is not a burden for him.

“As a captain I can’t do anything to change the players’ game. As a team unit we have to take responsibility.

“As captain I am disappointed to lose. We need to sit down and think where we can start again before the South Africa series.”