Kumar Sangakkara will stress the importance individual responsibility ahead of the T20 World Cup in England.

Sangakkara has taken over from Mahela Jayawardene, who stepped down following the abandoned Test series against Pakistan last week.

While the 31-year-old Sangakkara, who was injured in the terrorist attack in Lahore, pointed towards individual performances, he also knows a strong team unity is vital especially following recent events.

"I'm pleased to be given the job, but captaincy is a big responsibility," he said. "With what the team has undergone in the last couple of weeks, a new dimension has been added.

"Individuals should improve"

"I will be stressing the individual responsibility players must shoulder to improve and develop their games.

"But it's not just about cricketing skills. We also need to ensure everyone is mentally prepared and collectively firing by the time the Twenty20 World Cup comes around in June.

"Our success in the past has depended largely on us performing as a team and I will be looking to continue in that vein."

The prolific left-hander and wicketkeeper is also well aware Jayawardene's captaincy will be a tough act to follow, but is prepared to take his time to grow into the role.

"Mahela was probably our best captain and he's done a wonderful job," Sangakkara said. "He's been an inspiration and the way he's handled the players is terrific.

"Confidence is the key"

"With me, it's not going to happen straight away, but while planning for the future, we would want to win immediate matches and gain confidence."

Sangakkara, who was vice-captain for three years, was pleased with the decision to name off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan as his deputy.

"Murali's inspirational leadership and vast experience, coupled with his integrity and complete trustworthiness, makes him the ideal choice as vice-captain," Sangakkara added.

"His knowledge of the game and his contribution to our success has been immense. It was no surprise he was named vice-captain."

Sri Lanka's chief of selectors Ashantha de Mel said Sangakkara was the obvious choice once Jayawardene stepped down.

"Sanga fits the bill"

"We had a chat about Mahela's successor and we have no doubt that Kumar was the most suitable person to take over," Ashantha said.

"He's been a terrific performer for the national cricket team and has been an incredible role model.

"We spoke to Kumar when he was in Pakistan and he agreed to take over."