Roshan Mahanama believes Sri Lankan cricket needs to get their act together

Sri Lanka bowed out of the Champions Trophy in the group stages after losing to Pakistan in their last group game. Sri Lanka needed a win against Pakistan to qualify for the knockout stages, but they were unable to stop Pakistan. Former Sri Lankan batsman and ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama said that Sri Lanka needs to reflect on their performance in the Champions Trophy, and take steps accordingly if they want to be successful again.

They lost to South Africa in the first match of the tournament and it looked like the team would prove to be just a free win for the other two oppositions but they stunned the Men in Blue in the second league match of the teams to chase down 322 and won the game by 7 wickets. The last match against Pakistan could’ve landed them into the semis but horrible fielding towards the end of the game cost them dearly.

Need of concrete plan

“I think they need to go back, sit, reflect and come up with a concrete plan. Yes, we are in a phase where we are rebuilding after [retirement of] Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. But they need to get their act together and start competing consistently at this level,” Mahanama told the reporters.

He blamed poor fielding for Sri Lanka’s ouster from the Champions Trophy and also lamented the fact that Sri Lanka, who were one of the best fielding sides in the world lost out in the game which was in their hand due to bad fielding.

“I saw Shastri’s interview at the end of the game, he said fielding has been the strength of Sri Lankans and Sri Lanka cricket. It has never been the strength of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh. We can proudly say that we set standards and maintain high level in fielding,” the former right-handed batsman was quoted by PTI.

Sri Lanka couldn’t capitalise on momentum gained

Roshan Mahanama conceded that Sri Lanka are never counted as pre-tournament favourites. He said that it is their strength that they can spring surprises, which makes them the dangerous team. He further regretted the fact that Sri Lanka weren’t able to capitalise on the momentum they gained after their win against India.