Sri Lanka’s cricket team achieved a monumental 2-0 ODI series victory against India, marking their first win in this format over their rivals in 27 years. The decisive match showcased Sri Lanka‘s dominance, culminating in a 110-run victory at the R Premadasa Stadium. Interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya expressed immense pride in the team’s performance and the development of its young players.
Jayasuriya’s Praise for Emerging Talent
After the match, Jayasuriya commended the hard work and potential of young players such as Dunith Wellalage, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and skipper Charith Asalanka. “We have been working with players like Wellalage, Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Asalanka; all are very young players,” he stated. He also recognized Jeffrey Vandersay’s contributions, noting that the player had finally seized his opportunity after years of waiting.
Jayasuriya emphasized the critical role of confidence for these young athletes, saying, “The players only need confidence. If they get some runs on the board, if they are bowling well, if someone gets starts and gets big runs, those are the little things they can get the confidence high.” This focus on mental strength has been pivotal for the team’s success.
Innovative Coaching Strategies
To enhance the team’s performance, Jayasuriya implemented a week-long coaching program with Zubin Bharucha, the Director of High Performance for Rajasthan Royals. This initiative aimed to teach players how to bat for extended periods, instilling confidence in their abilities. “I got Zubin from Rajasthan Royals, and he came and did a seven-day coaching programme. We learnt a lot; the players learnt a lot on how to bat long innings, and one batsman was batting 2-3 hours. That gave the batters a lot of confidence,” Jayasuriya explained.
This innovative approach paid off, as evidenced by Avishka Fernando’s impressive 96-run knock and Dunith Wellalage‘s five-wicket haul in the third ODI. Their performances were instrumental in leading Sri Lanka to a commanding victory, demonstrating the effectiveness of the coaching strategies employed.
Reflecting on a Long Wait
Jayasuriya, who was part of the Sri Lankan team that last defeated India in an ODI series back in 1997, reflected on the significance of this victory. “It was a very long wait because that series I played in 1997 and got a lot of runs in that series. That was the last series we won against India. After 27 years, I am part of the team, and I am very happy to be part of these boys,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges the team faced, particularly after their recent T20I series loss to India. “The boys went through a very, very hard time. Even during the T20 series, we played well, but the result was not what was expected,” he noted. However, the players learned from their experiences and came back stronger, culminating in this historic series win.
With this victory, Sri Lanka not only ends a lengthy drought against India but also sets a positive tone for the future of Sri Lankan cricket, thanks in large part to the leadership and vision of Sanath Jayasuriya.
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