There can’t be anyone like Lasith Malinga: Thisara Perera

Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera said that it will not be possible for Sri Lanka to find a replacement for fast bowler Lasith Malinga. He also said that the replacements for recently retired Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene will be available for Sri Lanka in coming 5-6 years.

Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup winning captain Lasith Malinga injured his knee in the Asia Cup T20 2016 and though he was included in the World T20 2016 Sri Lankan squad. But his failure to recover from the injury meant that he not only stepped down from captainship but had to withdraw from the tournament.

“It will take at least 5-6 years for the Sri Lankan team to replace Mahela and Sanga. At least when it comes to the two batting slots. Even Sanga initially needed some time to settle down. So, for a player to settle down, it may take another two to three years,” said Thisara Perera.

“We will never get another guy like Lasith. It is not possible. Also we have off spinners and leg-spinners but there are no quality left-arm spinner like Rangana Herath. We don’t have any,” Thisara said.

Lasith Malinga’s injury will mean that it is quite possible that he might retire from the international cricket arena. He was the captain of the Sri Lankan team which won the World T20 in 2014 in Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka will play England tomorrow in what is a virtual knockout match for them. If they lose this match to England at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium, they will be eliminated from the tournament. Thisara Perera also shared his views on this predicament saying, “We must win tomorrow to stay in competition. We have practised well. I have played 6-7 matches on this ground during IPL and for Lanka. I have idea about conditions. In my opinion, India are favourites to win in home conditions.”