Jayasuriya Urges Patience Ahead of Sri Lanka's ODI Series Against India

Sri Lanka's interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya calls for patience as his injury-hit team prepares for their ODI series against India. Despite setbacks and key player absences, Jayasuriya emphasizes creating a positive environment and supporting new captain Charith Asalanka under pressure.

Sri Lanka's interim coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, has urged fans and players to remain patient as the team gears up for the ODI series against India. The call for patience comes after Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 defeat in the T20I series against the reigning World Cup champions and faces injuries to key players ahead of the first ODI in Colombo on Friday.

Several players, including Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara, are sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, a number of team members have been struck by the flu. However, Jayasuriya emphasized the need for the remaining squad members to step up and perform well against India.

"I'm interim coach, and I've only got these two series, but that's not how I think. When I was playing, I hated to lose, and that mindset still holds," Jayasuriya stated. He stressed the importance of creating a positive environment so players can perform with confidence.

The focus will also be on Charith Asalanka, who has struggled recently but is backed by Jayasuriya to shine in the ODI format. Jayasuriya believes in giving Asalanka some time to adjust to the captaincy role and stressed the collective effort required from the entire squad to boost his confidence.