MAHELA AND KUMAR’S RETIREMENT DELAY HAMPERED YOUNGESTERS!
Posted on December 20th, 2015
By M D P DISSANAYAKE
Historical analysis of batting performances of Mahela and Kumar showed a dramatic downturn in batting trends during 4 years prior to their retirement. Except on occasions playing against England, they did not perform well. Perhaps the intent had been to be in the record books at the Lords and other premier Clubs in England, instead of playing for Sri Lanka.
Apart from gaining glory through England factor, the local politics also played a significant role in the delay of announcement. It is no secret that both of them eyed for major political role with the opposition at that time, still not absolutely certain of victory for opposition victory, hence continued playing cricket instead.
This has delayed the introduction of youngsters to the national team by three to four years. Its impact will be felt at the next years T20 world cup as well as the next ODI world cup to be held in England in 2019.
We are fortunate to gradually build the team around Angelow Mathews, with Dimuth, Chandimal, Kusal, Udara, Chameera etc., with determination to bring victory for Sri Lanka than for their personal glory.
The lack of all rounders is still seen as a major set back for Sri Lanka. The batting performances of the last 4 tailenders require significant improvement. This group of 4 tailers have not been able to accumulate an average of 35 runs in most of our innings, when other major team tailenders have been able to play with superior batting skills. We draw the attention of the selectors to this major area, where improvement is essential.
December 20th, 2015 at 3:22 pm
MDP,
What you said about Mahela ( except political connections you mentioned) is true, but NOT TRUE about Sangakkara. His performance did not decline.
You said ” We are fortunate to gradually build the team around Angelow Mathews, with Dimuth, Chandimal, Kusal, Udara, Chameera etc., with determination to bring victory for Sri Lanka than for their personal glory. “. Not true also.
Angelo’s performance is on the decline , both in captaincy and performance. He is making very stupid mistakes. I like Kusal Mendis. He can develop too. CHameera is a treasure we must protect.
We could have beaten NZ if we had Kusal Perera and Dhammika Prasad.
December 20th, 2015 at 4:44 pm
What does this man know about the gentlemen like Sanga and Mahela , and mainly the gentlemen’s game of cricket.
Sanga made 4 centuries at the last World Cup in 2015. If not for him and few others , due to ineffective bowling we would have been thrown out in the first round.