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Jayasuriya Questions SL's Cricket Awareness After T20 Series Whitewash To India

Interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya [X.com]Interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya [X.com]

Interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya emphasized the need for Sri Lankan players to enhance their "cricket awareness" following their collapse in the recent T20I series against India, which resulted in a 0-3 defeat. 

Despite being in promising positions during the matches, Sri Lanka failed to maintain momentum and lost wickets rapidly.

Jayasuriya, quoted by 'ESPNCricinfo', acknowledged the players' commitment but highlighted the need for better handling of pressure and improved game awareness.

I don't see a lack of commitment: Jayasuriya

“I don't see a lack of commitment, but they have got to tackle pressure better. Their cricket awareness also needs sharpening. We are taking the responsibility; you can't go away from that,” he stated as the team prepared for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. 

Addressing batting strategies, Jayasuriya advised against the constant pursuit of sixes, noting that Sri Lanka's larger grounds offer opportunities for boundaries and twos.

“When you talk about power hitting, I don't think you need that much (in SL). If you hit enough fours and enough twos, you get the total that you need," he explained.

Jayasuriya also urged players to accept criticism following their poor performance in the T20I series. 

Reflecting on his own experience as a cricketer, he remarked, “As long as they realise that, and make sure that, we'll have to keep giving them the confidence and support,” he added.

He expressed confidence in newly-appointed captain Charith Asalanka, recognizing him as one of the team's top players in the format. 

“Charith Asalanka is one of our best players in this format, and we need to remember that. But there is some pressure when you get captaincy. You have got to give him a little time.

“There are ten more players in the side, and 16 in the squad. We all have to get together and give him confidence. At any moment, the captain could click. Asalanka is someone who works really hard, professional and communicates well,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)