Disappointing Sri Lanka succumb to Indian second string – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE
Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka started 2023 with an embarrassing loss to India’s second string side in Mumbai.
The Asia Cup triumph seems a long time ago as the struggling Lankans were made to look less than second rate throwing growing concerns about the country’s progress since the T20 World Cup in Australia where they were booted out of the competition before the quarter finals.
India, without skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, K.L Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shammi and Arshdeep Singh, exposed the Sri Lankan frailties and lack of consistency to rout the hapless visitors without too much effort.
It also underlined India’s tremendous depth to keep them among the forerunners of the game while the minnows find emerging talent hard to unravel.
New pace sensation Shivam Mavi dismantled Sri Lanka’s experienced batting claiming a sensational return of 4 for 22 on debut. He kick-started a promising career by claiming the prized scalp of Sri Lanka’s prolific opening batsman Pathum Nissanka in only his fifth delivery.
Chasing a gettable 162, Sri Lanka floundered at the outset until skipper Dasun Shanaka, 45 off 27 deliveries launched a fightback. But it was all too little too late as the Indians teased then stifled them to snatch a five run win.
India’s arrogance with their team selection appears to be based on better preparedness for the more important engagement against Australia who are heading over there next.
It gave the home team a welcome idea that there was depth if needed against a resurgent Australia who will not be easy beats.
Sri Lanka must learn with experience that mindset and determination cannot be coached. It must come from within. The current squad appears to lack belief or confidence in their ability surrendering as a result to being overwhelmed by their imposing opposition. Although not so in this game.
Coach Chris Silverwood who appears to have jelled with the team and has a great rapport with them will need to focus on their mental preparation which right now appears off the radar.
There’s a lot of work ahead if Sri Lanka are to return home with positives to reflect on. A repeat of the first game will leave too much mental scarring.
