After wrapping up the T20 series, India and Sri Lanka are all set to face each other in the three-match ODI series. The T20 series was a disaster for the Sri Lanka. They lost all three matches and lost the series by a 3-0 margin. After that, the team and the player are facing harsh criticism. Before stepping into the upcoming ODI Series, Sri Lanka’s interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya opened up about this.
The Massive Defeat and Jayasuriya’s Words:
After the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka faced India in a three-match T20 series. But the series turned out to be a big setback. Before the series started, Sri Lankan cricket witnessed two changes. Former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya was appointed as the interim coach of the team. Along with this, Charitha Asalanka took over the T20 Captaincy.
But in the T20 series, Sri Lanka’s performance was not up to the ark. They consecutively lost the first two matches of the series. However, the third T20 match was the biggest setback for the Sri Lankan side. They almost chased down the target but that ended up in a tie. Sri Lanka faced a defeat on Super Over.
After that, Sri Lanka’s interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya said, “I tell them that I have been at this place too during my 20 years as a player. A lot of you have just started. You have to be able to accept this criticism, and then be able to come out and play well. If you play well the fans will love you. What they say to you is because of the hurt they are feeling, and that’s temporary.”
Jayasuriya on their Preparation:
Jayasuriya attributed the team’s recent struggles not to a lack of skill or dedication but to a need for improved “cricket awareness.” He emphasized that enhancing their understanding of the game would be key to overcoming these issues.
He said, “We have created a system where top-order batters could bat for two or three hours during training. Kamindu Mendis batted for more than 600 balls during our training. Kusal Perera batted for over 700 balls and that’s quite a number of overs.”
Then he added, “I don’t see a lack of commitment, but they have got to tackle pressure better. Their cricket awareness also needs sharpening. We are taking the responsibility; you can’t go away from that. As long as they realise that, and make sure that, we’ll have to keep giving them.”
While explaining the fact more, Jayasuriya said, “When you talk about power hitting, I don’t think you need that much. If you hit enough fours and enough twos, you get the total that you need. The [Sri Lankan] grounds are a little bigger. There’s no reason why you can’t hit boundaries, or twos, or threes. If you can do that, you can get by without hitting so many sixes.”
Blows in the Sri Lankan Camp:
Sri Lanka’s squad has been affected by a series of injuries and illnesses before the ODI series. The list of unavailable players includes Binura Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara. Just after the T20 series, Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka are also ruled out. Pathirana sustained a shoulder injury and Madushanka is out for a hamstring injury. Their absence is a significant setback for the team as they prepare for the upcoming matches.
While talking about this, “We have brought Pramod Madushan into our squad. There’s also a viral flu in the team and we need to account for that. Maheesh Theekshana was sick and he recovered enough to play. Wanindu Hasaranga also had it. There were several who caught it and in the end, we even had to admit Binura Fernando to the hospital.”
Jayasuriya on Asalanka:
Jayasuriya supported Charith Asalanka as the new captain, stressing that he should be given time to adjust to the role before any judgments are made. Since his debut in 2021, Asalanka has developed into one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable ODI batsmen. Jayasuriya believes Asalanka will perform well with the right support.
He said, “Charith Asalanka is one of our best players in this format, and we need to remember that. But when you get the captaincy, there is some pressure. I’ve been there too. You have got to give them a little time in that position.”
Later he added, “There are ten more players in the side, and 16 in the squad. We all have to get together and give him the confidence too. At any moment, the captain could click. Charith Asalanka is someone who works really hard. He’s very professional and communicates well.”
Motivating the Side:
Jayasuriya stresses that there is still a lot at stake and has talked to players individually about the importance of being more focused. He believes that maintaining the right mindset is crucial for success and has encouraged each player to concentrate on their mental preparedness for the upcoming challenges.
He said, “I’m interim coach and I’ve only got these two series, but that’s not how I think. When I was playing, and even now, I hate to lose. The players who are around now know that too. When I talk to them, I tell them that fans in this country love the game, and a lot of us, including me, have brought cricket into this country to a certain place.”
Later he added, “I’ve spoken about that a lot individually with players and as a team. In terms of facilities and practice, I’ve tried to do as much as I can. What I want is to create a good environment so they can be mentally in the right place and can play with confidence.”
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
