Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are irreplaceable: Russel Arnold

Often it has been told in the past few months that after the retirement of legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan team has become ‘soulless’. The lions are nowhere near from their usual flair and the end result is that they recently failed to get past Zimbabwe and got whitewashed by India. Changing leadership, individuals, going with youth ahead of experience and then again falling back on experience- nothing has worked for them in the ongoing series against Men in Blue.

Arnold doesn’t want to put pressure on youngsters

Many have used the transition period as an excuse, by stating that Lankans are suffering from the loss of two pillars in Sanga and Mahela. Former Sri Lankan cricketer, Russel Arnold, however, chose to differ from the general perception and has stated that Kumar and Mahela can’t be replaced, not now, not anytime sooner or later. Instead of asking the new generations players to be as great as the two legends, Russel wants the board to give them free space so that they can express their talent without the fear of filling huge vacant boots.

“We are not going to replace big players like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, or even Tillakaratne Dilshan. They cannot be replaced as they are once in a lifetime players. If we ask the current players to be like them, then you are asking too much and would be putting too much pressure on them. I think that’s the biggest mistake we are making, looking for replacements and putting undue pressure on the younger players. We have to use what we have. They are different players. You have to identify their strengths, let them blossom in their own time and allow them to develop their own styles,” said Russel, as quoted by Island Cricket.

Lasith Malinga still better than the rest

Just like the Sri Lankan team, 34-year old speedster Lasith Malinga also has lost his usual flair. But Arnold still feels that at the given moment, Malinga is the best bowler Sri Lanka have in their ranks. “We know he is down in pace, a bit down in fitness as well and he is not the bowler he was. But he is still better than the rest. It is unfortunate that he has not been among wickets. If he finds his rhythm, he will probably last for another year or so, maybe even until the next World Cup in 2019,” said Arnold.