Sri Lanka received a hammering at the hands of the neighbors India in all three formats on the recently concluded tour. The Virat Kohli-led side won all 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and a solitary T20I to enforce a complete whitewash. Former Sri Lankan captain Marvan Atapattu recalled the tour and claimed that India is the best side in the world across formats.
“Obviously I am disappointed (with Sri Lanka losing 0-9 to India). But India is the best team in the world in all the formats. It is not like good old days, now India is the best not only in the sub continent but outside too.” said the former Sri Lankan captain.
“Sri Lanka, unfortunately, have been having problems. I will stay away from using the word transition because that has been going on for too long for my liking. When you look at the players and the group, obviously you feel that they lack self-confidence.” Atapattu was quoted saying to the International Business Times during the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) at Mysuru on Friday.
Atapattu blamed the weak domestic cricketing structure in Sri Lanka for the lackluster performance of late. He believes the players should be given long runs once they are picked to play for the national side.
“Now that we don’t have the strongest domestic structure and the strongest school cricket set up you must be very careful in grooming players. Hopefully, you give them a long run once they are chosen to represent Sri Lanka, otherwise, you will be going forward and back. And you will realize that you are at the same place,” he added.
“Unfortunately, like the modern day games, we did not have too many interactions with opposition players. It was very unfortunate. We were good friends and just said hi, bye. Interactions happened very, very rarely. But we had a good relationship. We respected them (Indian players). We had a lot of respect for all opponents. Now because of IPL and other T20 tournaments, a lot of players get together more,” said Atapattu.
Atapattu is currently participating in the Karnataka Premier League as the mentor of the team Belagavi Panthers. He feels such T20 tournaments are a great opportunity for the players to showcase their talents and climb up the ladder.
“I am very pleased and privileged to work with this young and enthusiastic group. KPL is a great opportunity for players to showcase their talent and move to the next level, the IPL and further. It is a great opportunity not only for the players but also to me to share my experience and give them much needed boost and morale,” he concluded.
