Dubai Capitals Appoint Dasun Shanaka as Captain for ILT20 Season 4 Title Defense

(Dubai, UAE) – In a major leadership announcement, the reigning ILT20 champions, the Dubai Capitals, have named Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as their captain for the upcoming ILT20 Season 4. The decision places the experienced international star at the helm as the franchise prepares to defend its title in the prestigious UAE-based T20 tournament.

Shanaka, a former captain of the Sri Lankan national team, is no stranger to the Capitals' setup, having been a core member of the squad that clinched the team's maiden ILT20 trophy in Season 3. With a formidable record of 1,659 runs and 41 wickets in 117 T20 matches, Shanaka brings a proven track record as a match-winner and a seasoned leader.

A New Chapter: Leadership and Vision

Expressing his honor at the appointment, Shanaka stated, “It’s a huge honour to lead Dubai Capitals. This franchise has shown tremendous belief in me, and I’m excited to take on the responsibility. We have a balanced, hungry squad, and I’m confident we can play fearless cricket and make our fans proud this season.”

The franchise's confidence in Shanaka is echoed by Head Coach Hemang Badani, who highlighted the all-rounder's calm demeanor, sharp game awareness, and ability to lead from the front as key assets for the challenging title defense ahead.

Season 4 Outlook: The Road to Back-to-Back Titles

The ILT20 2025 season is scheduled to commence in December. The Dubai Capitals will kick off their campaign against the Desert Vipers on December 2 in what promises to be a thrilling opening match.

With a squad that skillfully blends international stars with emerging local talent, the Capitals are considered one of the teams to beat. Shanaka’s leadership is expected to be the glue that binds the team's firepower, providing the strategic acumen needed to navigate the high-pressure environment of a championship defense.

Why This Captaincy Move is a Strategic Masterstroke

The appointment of Dasun Shanaka is a multi-faceted decision that strengthens the Capitals in several key areas:

• Proven Leadership: His experience captaining Sri Lanka on the international stage prepares him for the pressures of leading a franchise in a competitive league.
• All-Round Value: As a genuine all-rounder, Shanaka strengthens the playing XI with both bat and ball, giving the team greater tactical flexibility.
• Squad Continuity: Having been part of the winning Season 3 squad, he understands the team's culture and dynamics, ensuring a smooth leadership transition and helping maintain winning momentum.

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What to Watch For in ILT20 Season 4

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Captain Shanaka manages his dual role and guides the defending champions. Key storylines include:

• The team's ability to handle the pressure of being the hunted rather than the hunters.
• How Shanaka's calm leadership influences the outcome of close matches.
• The team's commitment to playing the "fearless cricket" that both the captain and coach have emphasized.

Under Dasun Shanaka's captaincy, the Dubai Capitals are firmly positioned to launch a powerful bid for a consecutive ILT20 championship.