Another Series Defeat for Sri Lanka in India

Well, it's not an uncommon news for Sri Lankan fans in the recent times. Once again a T20 and a ODI series defeat against India, with a few unwanted records as well. It's our 10th bilateral ODI series defeat against India in India, and we are yet to finda series win. And we became the team with most ODI match losses of 437 out of 880 games. And it's same for the T20 as well with 94 defeats.

We were waiting for years for a strong comeback by the Sri Lankan team, with lame excuses. So, we have to admit that we are stil not up to the standards to compete in big tournaments. It's not the talent we are lacking, but there are few more things to consider to master a sport.

Kusal Mendis

• Actually, we are a bit stable in the Test format. But not satisfactory in the shorter formats. So, let's see what happened in the recent times.

• I am now happy with our team combination to go to the world cup with a small adjustments. It will start in October in India with a slight sub-continent favour for us as well. We have a young team with the talent, gut and capacity.

• Bowling unit is trying and giving their best recently. With the rise of Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madhushanka, and there's Chameera to come with good pace, line and length, and Lahiru Kumara also with good speed and improvements. But they need to be more consistent in line and length. Nothing to say about spinning department Hasaranga, Maheesh, alongside with Wellalage, and De Silva as they have proved their worth in the shorter format.

The team

• Once again the biggest prolem we have is with the batting. There is quality with Mendis, Pethum, Dananjaya, Bhanuka, Asalanka, Avishka and allrounders Shanaka, Hasaranga and Chamika. But they don't have the discipline and common sense.

• Just think about the yesterday match, we had a good start with 100/1 inside 16 overs. But the middle order collapsed to 126/6 inside 7 overs. Most of the times, Mendis or Nissanka or both deliver a good start. But there is no one to take the responsibility sensibaly and build the innings to a good total. Simply there is no one to play the anchir role. The tail enders have to input a big contriubution most of the times. It was the same in T20 world cup as well.

• But did you see the difference of Indian's approach. When their middle order was down, Rahul played a hundred ball fifty according to the season. He was the T20 opener for India. That's called the common sense about the game.

Dasun Shanaka, The captain

• Even before 2015, Sri Lanka was not a miraculous team winning all the matches with all those legends. Especially they also couldn't won a series in India. But they were fighters and legendary as a team in big tournamants. They hunted for achivements, records, and sealed their names forever in the Cricket world.

• So, we need to change our approach here. I think someone, like Kusal Perera should be in the top order to attack the bowlers in powerplay. (Avishka has the potential, but if he fails he has to replace). Pathum can play that defensive approach, but he has to convert those 60 s, 70 s to big scores. Dhananjaya can face the fast bowlers well and quickly release the pressure. Kusal Mendis and Asalanka have the biggest role here. They are good in spin, so middle overs have to be handled by them.

• Shanaka is power hitting legend now. But Chamika has to provide something more from the bat. Otherwise we need a good batting all-rounder. Hasaranga, has the ability but no sense at all. It's a vain that he doesn't use his full potential as a batsman.

Waiting

• So, I think now time is more than enough to rebuild the team after retirement of Sanga and Mahela. So, boys have to bring back the glory once again. We all are wating for that day.

You can comment here or reach me via Telegram or Discord: Damith Udayanga#9442 for any clarification.

Until the next time! Enjoy!

Thank you.
Best Regards!