Selection Panel Stands Behind Dikwella Amidst Criticism

Amid a growing chorus of criticism, Sri Lanka’s selection panel has publicly backed the inclusion of Niroshan Dikwella for the Galle Test. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva explained that the panel’s consensus centered on the keeper’s proven skill set behind the wickets.

Dikwella’s Test record shows 96 matches with an average of 31, numbers that some pundits deem insufficient for the longest format. Nonetheless, De Silva highlighted that his recent form in domestic cricket and his ability to handle fast deliveries make him the most suitable option for the demanding Galle surface.

The captain also noted that the team does not have a deep pool of specialist keepers ready to step up, and that bypassing home‑grown talent would be irresponsible when the primary requirement is flawless keeping. De Silva urged fans to trust the expertise of the coaches and selectors who have evaluated all possibilities before arriving at this decision.