Sri Lanka Interim Coach Calls for Patience Ahead of ODI Series Against India
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As they are busy preparing with white-ball for their ODI test series against India, interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya has called for patience with his side.
Sri Lanka is coming from a 3-0 defeat against the reigning ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions in their recent three-match T20I series and they endure injuries with several key players ahead of the first ODI in Colombo on Friday.
Those players who will miss the titanic clash are Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara.
The bad news from Sri Lanka camp is that, several team members have been affected by the flu in the lead-up to the ODI series. Despite these challenges, Jayasuriya assured that the absence of key players won’t affect matches and urged the rest of the squad to step up and perform against India.
Jayasuriya 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.
“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.”
Some of the players who will have to carry the weight on their shoulders is Charith Asalanka, who is under pressure to perform against India.
Sri Lanka’s new white-ball captain previously managed just 14 runs from three innings during the recent T20I series. Asalanka also struggled during the recent T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, scoring only 71 runs from three innings.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Jayasuriya is confident that the 27-year-old will excel in the longer 50-over format.
Jayasuriya said “Charith Asalanka is one of our best players in this (ODI) 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.
“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.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
