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Following Sri Lanka‘s series victory over India, Sri Lankan head coach Sanath Jayasuriya highlighted the extensive efforts of the management team in developing young talents such as Dunith Wellalage, Pathum Nissanka, and Avishka Fernando.
Jayasuriya also revealed the significant contribution of a surprising name who played a crucial role in the team’s success in the 50-over format. This revelation underscored the effective strategies and talent development implemented by the coaching staff, which were instrumental in securing the series win.
Sanath Jayasuriya praised the young players of the team
In the third ODI of the series, Fernando’s impressive innings of 96 runs and Wellalage’s exceptional five-wicket haul led Sri Lanka to a commanding 110-run victory over India. Fernando’s substantial contribution with the bat set a solid foundation, while Wellalage’s outstanding performance with the ball ensured India’s batting collapse, securing the series win for Sri Lanka. With their dominant victory, Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2-0 against India. This series win marks the first time in 27 years that Sri Lanka has defeated India in an ODI series.
The legendary Sri Lankan all-rounder disclosed that the team participated in a week-long program with Zubin Bharucha, the Director of High Performance for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). This collaboration was part of their preparation and development strategy, aimed at enhancing the team’s performance.
“I got Zubin from Rajasthan Royals and he came and did a seven day coaching programme. We learnt a lot, the players learnt a lot on how to bat long innings, and one batsman was batting 2-3 hours. That gave the batters a lot of confidence,” Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by ANI.
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Jayasuriya’s connects the victory with the 90’s win over India
With their commanding victory, Sri Lanka won the series 2-0 against Rohit Sharma‘s Indian team. This series win is notable as it is the first time in 27 years that Sri Lanka has defeated India in an ODI series. Jayasuriya mentioned about his past experience when he was the part of winning team in late 90’s.
“It was a very long wait because that series I played in 1997 and got a lot of runs in that series. That was the last series we won against India. After 27 years, I am part of the team and I am very happy to be part of these boys. They are a very nice bunch of players and are talented and the whole country would have seen what we can do,” Jayasuriya concluded.
