Kusal Mendis disappointed for missing tour against India

The outcome of the India-Sri Lanka series was predicted even before the series had started. India had completed a famous ‘Tourwash’ in Sri Lanka earlier in 2017 and threatened to do the same at home. As the series progressed, the gulf between the teams widened even more. Apart from the first ODI and a few sessions in test series, the Islanders seemed to be in a hurry to run back home.

The Indian batsmen posed a tough challenge Sri Lankan bowlers. The visitors were playing under a new captain in the form of Thisara Perera. Just like his team, the captain had a series to forget. Apart from on-field performances, the most important talking point was the exclusion of Kusal Mendis.

The 22-year old Kusal Mendis is a great prospect for Sri Lanka. To score three test hundreds at such a young age is no easy task. Just one bad series against Pakistan in UAE saw Mendis dropped for the series against India. To build a team, players must be given an extended run to enhance their skills and gain some experience. You cannot expect a player to continue his good run in all matches.

Mendis opens up on his exclusion

“I would have loved the opportunity to play against world’s number one ranked team. I loved the challenge against the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja during the home series. Was disappointed to miss out, but then again, I have got only myself to blame. Had I scored some runs in the Pakistan series, I would have been selected for the Indian tour,” Mendis was quoted as saying in an interview with Cricbuzz.

The young lad has made his way back into the side after being selected for the tri-nation series and the test series against Bangladesh. Mendis has bonded well with the new coach Chandika Hathurusingha. He has been advised to play his shots and maintain his batting style. With few changes here and there, Mendis looks good to go and perform for his side.

He must repay to the selectors and the management by displaying consistent performances. The Sri Lankan team is presently in tatters and Mendis must find a way to help his team.