Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has broken his silence on his team’s poor performance in the recently concluded three-match T20I series against India.
Although Sri Lanka were not outclassed by the reigning world champions, they failed to show their level in pressure situations. In all three matches, the hosts had the chance to win, but they squandered all the opportunities.
In the first match of the series, Sri Lanka were at 140 for 1 in 14 overs while chasing 214. They ended up losing nine wickets for just 30 runs and were bowled out for 170. In the second game, the islanders were at 130 for 2 in 15 overs and looked set to post a huge total. However, they suffered another inexplicable collapse and ended at 161/9 before losing the game by 7 wickets (DLS method).
The Charith Asalanka-led side had a chance to end the series on a winning note. After restricting India to a modest total of 137/9, Sri Lanka were at 129/4 after 18 overs, needing just 9 runs from the last two overs. However, they finished their innings at 137/8. In the Super Over, Sri Lanka could score just 2/2 before India chased down the total in one ball to complete a clean sweep.
When criticism comes, you have to accept it: Sanath Jayasuriya
In response to the harsh criticism Sri Lanka received for their poor performance in the T20I series, Sanath Jayasuriya said that the team will have to accept the criticism. At the same time, the former Sri Lanka captain also urged the fans to continue supporting the team in the upcoming ODI series against India.
“We must be prepared to accept criticism,” said Sanath Jayasuriya. “I see the players putting in a tremendous effort. I appeal to the fans to come to the ground and support the team during the ODIs.”
The Sri Lankan star added that the team’s problem is not skill or commitment but an inability to thrive under pressure. He said the players have worked hard in training before admitting that they need to do well while facing pressure.
“We have created a system where top-order batsmen could bat for two to three hours during training.
“Kamindu Mendis batted over 600 balls during our training session. Kusal Perera batted over 700 balls and that is a considerable number of overs. I don’t see any lack of commitment but they need to handle pressure better. Their cricket awareness also needs to be sharpened,” Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“If you look at the last three games, we started well. That’s what you want: the top three or four players to hit well, which we did. That’s a positive sign. In the second game too, which was affected by rain, we started well and could have scored more runs.”
“The third game was also a very good start for us and we shot well. Apart from the first game, we played very well on the field, we played well on the field… But still we have no excuse to say anything and for us winning is the most important thing,” he added.
Jayasuriya concluded by expressing his disappointment at not being able to win matches during the T20I series. He said that the team does not shy away from taking responsibility but also makes sure that it is not too harsh on the players.
“It’s disappointing as a coach, but we also have to accept criticism, as a coach, as a coaching staff, as a team.
“We are taking responsibility, we cannot walk away from that. As long as they realise that and make sure that they do that, we will have to continue to give them the confidence and support as I had to go through this (phase) in my time as a cricketer, all cricketers have to go through this. When criticism comes, you have to accept it,” Jayasuriya said.
The first ODI between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled to be played in Colombo on Friday (August 2).
