Sri Lanka Cricket needs closer scrutiny

It is very sad to note the way Sri Lanka went down in the two ODIs against Bangladesh. It is important to look hard and identify where we went wrong. In an earlier observation, I mentioned about the sudden change of the in form captain Dimuth Karunarathne for this series.

People can be correct or wrong, they are entitled to their opinions and at the same time, it is not too late to rectify if something is wrong. Poor Kusal Janith, was unable to absorb the pressure and even failed to concentrate on his batting which was very vital for the team.

I observed the same as a seasoned coach (rugby) who follows Sri Lankan cricket closely. Karunarathne had performed well as captain and faired very well as an opener and it’s a key position for a team to do well. A solid foundation will build the platform for success.

Also, another matter that needs attention is why wicket keeper batsmen Niroshan Dickwella who was a useful cog in the batting line-up was not considered.

Whatever the intentions, even to develop the team for the future you should have a solid base. Without that you will not be able to build any team. It is bound to collapse. It was very much evident in the last two outings. Building a team needs careful planning and systematic changes under very careful supervision. Of course, Sri Lanka Cricket has enough experts to identify these areas. Considering same it is time to look back why we lost to Bangladesh and created history.

SLC is under tremendous pressure. To build a team of course there are many ways of adjusting the combinations in a very practical and professional manner. You do not drop your guard and be open for a sucker punch because it will be too late to recover.

Sri Lanka has enough talent especially with the department of pace with quicks who are able to clock over 140kmph. This is the area we have to really concentrate and build with the spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sadakan, Praveen Jayawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Akila Dananjaya who can be very effective.

Leader should have the ability to identify his strength, his team members strengths and weaknesses and the same way strength and weaknesses of the opposition. He should also command respect on and off the field and be an example to others by command presence. He should believe that “winning is not everything but winning is the only thing” and there are no shortcuts, keeping to the basics, you will be able to produce results at the end.

(This writer is the former Chairman of National Sports Council)