The musical chair contest over the captaincy of the Sri Lankan national cricket team continued with Lasith Malinga being selected as the captain of the ODI team.

Malinga, who is now on the verge of his retirement of the international cricket, is the third captain to lead Sri Lanka in the five-match ODI series against India.

Although Upul Tharanga was named the 'official captain' of the ODI team before the series, he had to stay away from the team after the 2nd ODI as the ICC imposed a two-match ban on him over slow over rate.

Chamara Kapugedara was then named the stand-in captain but it was later revealed that the 31-year-old national cricketer with ample international experience made a wrong announcement after winning the toss against India in the 3rd ODI.

Although the team had decided to bowl first on the Pallekele pitch after winning the toss, Kapugedara mistakenly announced that Sri Lanka would bat first.

After the incident, the SLC announced that Kapugedara will not play for the 4th ODI due to an "injury".

Today, the SLC said Lasith Malinga, who has got only one wicket so far in the series against India, would lead the team in the next ODI.

The fourth ODI is a must-win game for Sri Lanka to secure a direct place in the ICC World Cup in 2019.

Interestingly, before the 3rd ODI at Pallekele, Malinga's place in the side was not certain until the last moment due to his abysmal performance in the first two matches.

It is also speculated that Malinga may announce his retirement from ODI cricket after the five match series against India.