Assessing DD de Silva’s Place in Lanka’s ODI Eleven
Source:Thuppahis
A “LankaLions” Post in FACEBOOK
Whenever DDS comes into the conversation, it’s never just about form. It’s always where he should bat and what exactly his role is. And as usual, there are plenty of fan theories floating around. So instead of arguing in circles, let’s see what the numbers actually say.
First up, the No.4 debate. A fair chunk of fans want Pavan Rathnayake locked in at four and given a proper run. The reasoning is simple: he looks like someone who can bat time once he gets in. In comparison, DDS’s ODI average of 25.87 doesn’t exactly scream “long-term No.4 at international level.” Pavan averages 43.77 in List A cricket, and yes, the immediate counter is that List A numbers don’t always translate internationally. Fair enough. But then, if that’s the argument, what do DDS’s List A numbers look like? We’ll come back to that.
Another idea doing the rounds is pushing DDS to the top of the order in place of Kamil Mishara. The stat being thrown around is DDS’s ODI opening average of 47.50. Sounds impressive—until you add context. That’s from just seven innings, and he’s opened exactly once in the last decade. When did he opened in list A cricket last time? So are we really going to reshuffle the top order based on a sample size that small? And more importantly, are we going to move on from yet another youngster after a handful of chances, especially one who earned his spot through domestic cricket and A-team performances?
Then there’s the List A reality check. Kamil averages 39.18. DDS averages 29.46. And just to keep it balanced, Pavan sits at 43.77. If List A stats matters for some players, it has to matter for all of them.
The third option fans seem excited about is turning DDS into a bowling all-rounder and slotting him in lower down the order, essentially as a replacement for Maheesh Theekshana. On paper, Theekshana averages 28.04 with the ball at an economy of 4.6, while DDS averages 41.83 and goes at 5.04. Yet the argument is that DDS will somehow be the better option for the 2027 World Cup. So let’s look overseas, where that tournament will actually be played.
Overseas, Theekshana averages 28.51 with an economy of 4.81. DDS, on the other hand, averages 47.38 and concedes at 5.62. Those numbers don’t exactly strengthen the case. Unless Theekshana doesn’t find his form.
That’s what the stats say. Of course, DDS has nearly a decade of international experience, and in theory, that should count for something. Could he improve these numbers going forward? Possibly. Will he? That’s the big unknown.
So where do I stand in all this?
Honestly, I’m less concerned about squeezing DDS into every possible role and more concerned about fixing two long-standing problems properly. I want a permanent solution at No.4, backed with patience and a long runway toward the 2027 World Cup. And I want clarity at No.7—a genuine finisher, ideally an all-rounder, who can cope with African conditions. If one player can’t do that, then we need clear alternatives and the flexibility to adapt.
Because right now, we seem more focused on debating individuals than actually solving the structural issues in this team.
