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Will Sri Lanka struggle in the future?

Donal Cozzie

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Sanga,Mahela and Dilshan are all retiring soon. Malinga doesnt seem to be the force he was. Their batting line up as of now is very reliant on those 3 previously mentioned and the bowling is kinda average.

Can any SL fans here tell me if there are any young talented guys coming through to replace the outgoing generation?? I often hear of the SLCB's incompetence and how other sports like rugby are beginning to emerge so one would wonder if they'll take a downward slope from here...

Gamage looks like one for the future but its batting where SL will struggle I think.

So, do you think SL will struggle in the near future??

And no, I'm not basing this just off the India series, but more off their reliance on older players.
 
Gamage looked bloated to me. Quite unfit. He should hit gym and cut down on extra baggage he is carrying (atleast 15 pounds).

This will help him get more pace too as he will have more speed when he runs in.
 
Sanga,Mahela and Dilshan are all retiring soon. Malinga doesnt seem to be the force he was. Their batting line up as of now is very reliant on those 3 previously mentioned and the bowling is kinda average.

Can any SL fans here tell me if there are any young talented guys coming through to replace the outgoing generation?? I often hear of the SLCB's incompetence and how other sports like rugby are beginning to emerge so one would wonder if they'll take a downward slope from here...

Gamage looks like one for the future but its batting where SL will struggle I think.

So, do you think SL will struggle in the near future??

And no, I'm not basing this just off the India series, but more off their reliance on older players.

Mathews ?

But i agree apart from mathews i dont see any decent odi bat in their team.
All is see is tharanga, thirimane,chandimal being recycled for last 4-5 years.
 
Mathews ?

But i agree apart from mathews i dont see any decent odi bat in their team.
All is see is tharanga, thirimane,chandimal being recycled for last 4-5 years.

There is not a single young talent from srilanka to talk about. It was disheartening to see that chandimal did not able to live up to the expectation. I thought he was a real deal back in CB series 2012, outperformed kohli in that series. But since then there is nothing to talk about. Even though he has decent stats in Tests, recently he had nothing against decent tests sides. I hope he would definitely bounce back. Thirimane is also a decent talent, don't know what happened to him? Future is so bleak for srilanka. only mathews is their hope!
 
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All teams struggle to replace established stars. They'll find new ones soon though so its not a problem.
 
All teams struggle to replace established stars. They'll find new ones soon though so its not a problem.

Not always mate. Ask west Indies. They are still so much dependent on sanga, mahela, dilshan and mathews. Tharanga is yet to establish himself as a regular and dependable batsman, just shows what is wrong with srilankan cricket. Good thing that their veteran players like sanga, mahela are still fit enough to carry on for some more time. But what after that still remain a question!
 
This question keeps getting asked when they play us but they usually go okay against everybody else - young and old players alike - so it dims down.

They have a 7-ODI series against England coming up right after this which they'll be unlucky not to sweep 7-0.
 
Kusal perera ,vithanage, mathews , priyanjan,eranga all have bright futures
 
This question keeps getting asked when they play us but they usually go okay against everybody else - young and old players alike - so it dims down.

They have a 7-ODI series against England coming up right after this which they'll be unlucky not to sweep 7-0.

No way they are beating England in that series, let alone beating them 7-0. I expect England winning 5-2.

SLN are a below par team always very heavily reliant on their senior players, the problem is that apart from Mathews no one in the Lankan team has emerged as one for the future, Thirimanne may be, but certainly no one else.

This is the reason I was very surprised when Pakistan had such a poor tour of Sri Lanka, I never expected that.

The lack of test cricket Sri Lanks plays, and their increasing focus on LOI's is also a reason I guess they are not producing world class players.
 
No way they are beating England in that series, let alone beating them 7-0. I expect England winning 5-2.

Both our opinions are conjencture, but what is your basis of suggesting that England are going to win an ODI series five to two in Asia? And it's not against Bangladesh.
 
Not always mate. Ask west Indies. They are still so much dependent on sanga, mahela, dilshan and mathews. Tharanga is yet to establish himself as a regular and dependable batsman, just shows what is wrong with srilankan cricket. Good thing that their veteran players like sanga, mahela are still fit enough to carry on for some more time. But what after that still remain a question!

Yes, what happened to Windies was sad. Although that is down to a lack of interest and administrative problems that Lanka don't seem to have.
 
Both our opinions are conjencture, but what is your basis of suggesting that England are going to win an ODI series five to two in Asia? And it's not against Bangladesh.

Moeen Ali. :amla

I don't think the English will win it but I don't see them getting clean-sweeped either.
 
No worse than Pakistan ODI side, SL have a better chance than Pak in winning the World Cup too
 
Seems like it.

Mathews is the only quality player they have for the future.
 
No worse than Pakistan ODI side, SL have a better chance than Pak in winning the World Cup too

Sl have better chance but only becoz of their seniors.

The thing is on low scoring or bowler friendly pitches sl edges out others becoz sanga, dilshan & mathews getting them to 250-260 would be enough.

But vs good aggressive batting teams like sa & aus on flat tracks their low sr are exposed & they would lose even if their batsman bat according to their potential.
 
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No way they are beating England in that series, let alone beating them 7-0. I expect England winning 5-2.

SLN are a below par team always very heavily reliant on their senior players, the problem is that apart from Mathews no one in the Lankan team has emerged as one for the future, Thirimanne may be, but certainly no one else.

This is the reason I was very surprised when Pakistan had such a poor tour of Sri Lanka, I never expected that.

The lack of test cricket Sri Lanks plays, and their increasing focus on LOI's is also a reason I guess they are not producing world class players.

Oh really?

Btw SL has the 3rd best W/L in ODIs during the last 20 or so years (excl minnows). And the best W/L in T20I.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...am=6;team=7;team=8;template=results;type=team

Plus last 5 years apart from against India SL has a W/L > 1 against every one else.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...=8;template=results;type=team;view=opposition

Not bad for a "below par team" eh?
 
Once Sanga and Herath calls it quits we'll struggle big time in Tests for quite awhile from what I see. In LOIs tho I think we'll be fine.
 
Once Sanga and Herath calls it quits we'll struggle big time in Tests for quite awhile from what I see. In LOIs tho I think we'll be fine.
Idk, who do you have coming through to look after SL cricket for the next decade?
 
They will have to go through transition period but they will be fine in the long run.
 
Idk, who do you have coming through to look after SL cricket for the next decade?

You won't know them but there are a few bats and a spinner or two coming up the ranks :))

http://www.espncricinfo.com/Australia/content/player/465797.html
http://www.espncricinfo.com/Australia/content/player/429754.html
http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-domestic-2014-15/content/player/342616.html
http://www.espncricinfo.com/Australia/content/player/300629.html

As I said it's the longer form of the game I'm concerned about. Especially fast bowling. That has pretty much always been an issue.
 
I think today might have been a glimpse into Sri Lanka's future after the seniors leave. When the seniors leave only Mathews and Thirimanne look like decent players, The rest I'm far from convinced about
 
Looks grim to be honest. I give :sanga and :jaya a ton of sh1t but their deparrture leaves a black hole in the batting lineup. They are bound to lose Malinga and Kulasekara. Its not looking good.
 
Think their Top 7 might be


Upul Tharanga
Tillakaratne Dilshan
Lahiru Thirrimane
Dinesh Chandimal (wk)
Angelo Mathews (c)
Kusal Perera
Thisara Perera

Not all that bad tbh, but Sanga will be missed BIG time.
 
I thought Mathews was really good, but even he looks quite average to me now. Lankan ODI side will struggle, specially when Dilshan is gone.
 
Masssive task now for Matthews to carry this team with 3 big guns gone, the likes of chandimal and thiramane etc... will now need to step up and make names for themselves
 
I always trust Sri Lanka to keep producing its own unique brand of cricketers. They will continue to be in the top 4 ODI teams.
 
After retirement of Dilshan, Sanga and Mahela there will be a big hole in Sri lankan batting line up.
 
I think today might have been a glimpse into Sri Lanka's future after the seniors leave. When the seniors leave only Mathews and Thirimanne look like decent players, The rest I'm far from convinced about

Dilshan, Sanga and Mahela has been so dominant that rest have hardly had time to shine.

I have seen Kushal play some good cricket. Chandimal will come good too at some stage. He played very well against Australia before injuring himself.

Of course it will not be easy to replace Sanga and Mahela. World class players don't hang on trees. Dilshan was mediocre mis and hit in first half of his career, but came good. I am sure they must have some decent cricketers. Surely they will struggle, but will come good eventually.
 
will find new stars and performers. even with the existing players will give some of the SC-teams a run for their money.
 
SL basically lost more than 1000 games worth of experience. BD will surpass them now.
 
We'll be between WI and the current Bangladesh team. SL should be written off from winning WC/T20 championship/Asia cup for another 6-8 years. Bangladesh will defintely surpass SL.
 
Dilshan, Sanga and Mahela has been so dominant that rest have hardly had time to shine.

I have seen Kushal play some good cricket. Chandimal will come good too at some stage. He played very well against Australia before injuring himself.

Of course it will not be easy to replace Sanga and Mahela. World class players don't hang on trees. Dilshan was mediocre mis and hit in first half of his career, but came good. I am sure they must have some decent cricketers. Surely they will struggle, but will come good eventually.

Kusal is a proven hack, Malinga has like Max 2 years, Dilshan has like a year left. Will take more than 5 years to get back to where they are now.
 
SL will throw some young players and some of them will perform with time. It happens with all teams. It may take 2-3 years. I don't think that SL will be at WI level. WI decline is due to different reasons.
 
I think, SRL's problem is bigger than PAK. In this WC, PAK lost Gul, Ajmal, MoHa, JK & finally Irfan. Advantage for PAK was, barring Ajmal, none were in that class that they are irreplaceable. Even after WC, once Afridi, Misbah & YK retires, I don't think it 'll be that big an issue (in fact missing Afridi & YK should be positive).

For SRL, problem is replacing Sanga, Mahela, Dilshan & Malinga is far difficult task. We shouldn't forget that, Sanga was easily the best ODI all-rounder in last few years. I think, SRL 'll struggle big time, but in positive note, these guys are leaving with prior notice & 4+ years ahead of next WC. If Lankan Board plans properly, they 'll struggle in next few years, particularly once Dilshan & Malinga also reties, but by 2019, they should be able to build a decent team around Methews. However, I think, by next WC, there 'll be hardly any difference between SRL & BD. We have a very young team this time & in next 3 to 5 years, these players should reach their peak.
 
I think, SRL's problem is bigger than PAK. In this WC, PAK lost Gul, Ajmal, MoHa, JK & finally Irfan. Advantage for PAK was, barring Ajmal, none were in that class that they are irreplaceable. Even after WC, once Afridi, Misbah & YK retires, I don't think it 'll be that big an issue (in fact missing Afridi & YK should be positive).

For SRL, problem is replacing Sanga, Mahela, Dilshan & Malinga is far difficult task. We shouldn't forget that, Sanga was easily the best ODI all-rounder in last few years. I think, SRL 'll struggle big time, but in positive note, these guys are leaving with prior notice & 4+ years ahead of next WC. If Lankan Board plans properly, they 'll struggle in next few years, particularly once Dilshan & Malinga also reties, but by 2019, they should be able to build a decent team around Methews. However, I think, by next WC, there 'll be hardly any difference between SRL & BD. We have a very young team this time & in next 3 to 5 years, these players should reach their peak.

Do you think bangladesh have in them to climb the ladder in these 4 years?

Can they be ranked number 8 in ODIs?
 
Of course they will struggle - they lost their best batsman of all time (plus Jayawardene but they will hardly notice he is gone). I think Chandimal will become a good player in time, but it will be generations before they find another Sangakkara.
 
They'll struggle in the short term but pick themselves up soon enough.
 
Do you think bangladesh have in them to climb the ladder in these 4 years?

Can they be ranked number 8 in ODIs?

Any where is between 5 to 8. Breaking into top 4 'll be difficult.

Rating system actually works adversely against teams like BD for 2 reasons - it has a recurrence impact & teams with poor records in past do carry some negative points for that & rating system works adversely between a win against a top side & a lose against a lower side (i. e, losing against AFG 'll result more lose of point than it can gain from a win over IND/AUS).

In last few years, we have a decent W/L ratio against top 8 sides (almost as good as WI/PAK), but at the same time we have lost against AFG. I think, going forward, one major improvement 'll be consistency - against any team, we 'll be a force at home, while teams like SRL, ENG, WI 'll struggle against us at neutral or even home condition. We have a very good domestic system & a good bunch of U23 players. Besides, a big change in BD cricket over the last few years is , from a spin based attack, now we do have players to play with 3 pacers; which 'll help teams in away tours. But the biggest development was in batting - we have a bunch of technically correct but attacking batsmen who are good on back foot.

I 'll be disappointed, if we don't finish among top 6 ODI side by 2019.
 
Sri Lankan fans, reading their reaction online, are FUMING at Mathew's defensive captaincy.

Their bowling bar Herath is not top class although their fast bowlers were OK in this first Test. Thirimanne has been struggling and post-Sanga/Mahela their batting is going to struggle. Sri Lanka's Cricket Board have asked Sanga to delay his retirement on a number of occasions in the past due to a lack of younger replacements but this time they've got no choice.
 
Sri Lankan fans, reading their reaction online, are FUMING at Mathew's defensive captaincy.

Their bowling bar Herath is not top class although their fast bowlers were OK in this first Test. Thirimanne has been struggling and post-Sanga/Mahela their batting is going to struggle. Sri Lanka's Cricket Board have asked Sanga to delay his retirement on a number of occasions in the past due to a lack of younger replacements but this time they've got no choice.

Silva's innings was pretty ordinary. He batted too slowly and took the game no where while the others perished trying to push the scoring rate up. Had he batted with some intensity and added a 100 runs more compared to the amount of deliveries he blocked, things might have been different.

Even in the second innings the SL just played too defensively.
 
Horror this.

Problem is, I have noticed that their team is filled with "hacks". Yes glorified hacks like Thisara Perara and also the likes of Thirimanne , Kausal Perara. You need batsman with solid technique to survive in world cricket. Just look at Mathews and Sanga's success. Good technique or even half decent technique will help you survive anywhere
 
Yes.

They don't have a sufficient first class system to develop players
 
Mathews is a pretty terrible captain. Too defensive and his batting has gone down a notch.

Sad thing is they don't have a replacement for him. Mahela was probably the best captain after Ranatunga and no one has replaced him.
 
What happened to Herath though? Did Pakistani batsmen play him well like SA or has he declined?\
 
its better to develop tharindu kausal and jafferey vandersy and also lakshan rangika fro the future , im syre if they would have played this test match result would have been different
 
Captain is too negative, afraid of losing and lacks the warrior mentality required for every captain. It is not like there is anyone else to captain. Lot of the players are hacks. Pacers aren't good apart from Prasad, Malinga and Lakmal. Thirimanne, Chandimal or someone else will probably stand up and guide SL to reputable position but SL isn't appearing in any T20/WC/Championstrophy finals any time soon.
 
Did SL win the last home series against Aus, NZ, Eng or SA? That's 4 out of 7 opposition you can face. Then WI is pretty poor away.

SL was a good test team at home when Murali was playing. Without Murali, they are a lot less effective. Murali was in class of top tier folks like SRT, Lara, Warne, McGrath etc... Then bowlers do win you more test matches.

Point is -- Sl has been struggling to win series at home after Murali left. It's not a new development.
 
Any where is between 5 to 8. Breaking into top 4 'll be difficult.

Rating system actually works adversely against teams like BD for 2 reasons - it has a recurrence impact & teams with poor records in past do carry some negative points for that & rating system works adversely between a win against a top side & a lose against a lower side (i. e, losing against AFG 'll result more lose of point than it can gain from a win over IND/AUS).

In last few years, we have a decent W/L ratio against top 8 sides (almost as good as WI/PAK), but at the same time we have lost against AFG. I think, going forward, one major improvement 'll be consistency - against any team, we 'll be a force at home, while teams like SRL, ENG, WI 'll struggle against us at neutral or even home condition. We have a very good domestic system & a good bunch of U23 players. Besides, a big change in BD cricket over the last few years is , from a spin based attack, now we do have players to play with 3 pacers; which 'll help teams in away tours. But the biggest development was in batting - we have a bunch of technically correct but attacking batsmen who are good on back foot.

I 'll be disappointed, if we don't finish among top 6 ODI side by 2019.

May be we 'll reach that level much earlier, however staying in top 6 'll be the bigger challenge. We 'll be in receiving end that of a loss to a lower ranked team, even from the likes of PAK, WI or SRL and any upset from IRL or AFG 'll be deadly (5 wins against PAK, IND has added almost 12 points; because we were at 9th/10th).
 
They have a very strong system especially school cricket and club cricket which keeps producing good batsman spinners & keepers. They would have good replacements of Sangakara samaraweera and jayawardene within an year . Vithanage didn't bat well today but at 24 he already has 11 FC tons with highest of 351 and an average of 45 + despite failing in last 2,3 test matches . Also good strike rate is his asset . He , Mathews & thirimanne will form core of their middle order . They just need 1 or 2 good fast bowlers . They have not been able to replace vaas and Fernando uptil now . But lakmal is good and that new bowler who plays ODI's uptil now bowls 145 plus too and is wicket taker . So hope these 2 will develop too as test fast bowlers .
But yes definitely Sangakara is and was class apart so was mahela to a lesser extent . Sangakara like left hander come one in 30 years . So hard to get performances like him from fresh batch .
 
Mathew's is a potential ATG...
Thrimane and Chandi are fine players too ...Sl will struggle but theuy won't fall to number 9th in Rankings ... The department in which Sl lacks is Bowling ...Herath is slowly but Surely running out of steam...D Perera is not goof enough..maybe they can try Kaushal anf Chamera

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
 
I think Sri Lanka will reach parity with Bangladesh, across all formats, within the next 2-3 years. Malinga looks half the player he was a few years ago (yet double the size) and Dilshan will not have long left. SL's limited overs bowling is utter garbage right now and once Herath retires their test bowling will struggling big time.

I'm hope I'm proven wrong though as Sri Lankan cricket has given us some wonderful memories over the past 20 years and as an Indian fan some nightmares too. :sanath
 
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I'm impressed with some youg players and I'm sure within a very short period some of them will be world class. I saw some future Sanga and Mahela there. I'm optimistic and not worried about SL cricket future.
 
Siriwardana, K Perera, the tall left seamer and hopefully the resurgence of Kapugedra will ensure they stay competitive.
 
i am a big fan of Lankans but unfortunately they are regressing with time and I don't like the new breed much because they are more in the mould WI players rather than the likes of Murali, Sanga, and co.

Hope these new players count. Like what i saw of siriwardana
 
Their talent pool is small now but still an intelligent side that has the hunger for this game. Yes! they've gone weaker now but don't be surprised if they come back better than ever.
 
NO... players like seriwardna. new de selva and jayasuria they are good players. right now they are struggling in bowling department if they can find good pair of bowlers they will again become a good competitive cricket team in future.
 
De Silva,Siriwardina,Fernando and Jayasuria Jr look good. Not to forget Vandersay.

I think they have the chance. I love to support Lanka in their games, the only teams I support ahead of them are Pakistan and England.
 
Their U-19 team outclassed ours in the youth tests being played.

They have a pretty solid domestic / grass root system laid out for cricket. They may not reach the top 2, but will still be solid mid table contenders.
 
From where did you get this game?

Deserves a Test call up or at least a SL A team call up. Thought he'd be touring with the SLA team that is currently playing in NZ doing pretty well. I think SLA decided to go with players who can also play ODI's. He seems like a Test material batsmen and SL rarely plays test and plays tons of Loi. He might have to do what Kaushal Silva did, put in the hard work in domestics score like 30 centuries in FC before getting a call up.
 
Their U-19 team outclassed ours in the youth tests being played.

They have a pretty solid domestic / grass root system laid out for cricket. They may not reach the top 2, but will still be solid mid table contenders.

Our school system is pretty decent but the domestic setup is very poor. Far too many teams filled with mediocre players and 3 day FC matches. That's not going to produce quality international cricketers in a hurry. The gap is huge.
 
Pretty sure there’s a quota system in place on the number of Silvas allowed in the team. Had he been a Perera or something would have been a shoo-in for sure :narine

Our school system is pretty decent but the domestic setup is very poor. Far too many teams filled with mediocre players and 3 day FC matches. That's not going to produce quality international cricketers in a hurry. The gap is huge.

We have many Silvas that can be brought into the SL national side. Kaushal Silva, Chaturanga De Silva, Danajaya De Silva, Ashen Silva and Roshen Silva to name a few.

Too many damn spinners and spinning pitches in FC grounds. Pathirana, Seekuge and few other spinners have very good FC records but they are utter garbage at the international level. Most of the batting talents don't have proper orthodox techniques either. Sanath on PTV moaned about FC team purposely making spinning pitches. He claimed when it comes to playoffs, SLC makes pitches and that they unveil green mamba's to troll the spinners.
 
Pretty sure there’s a quota system in place on the number of Silvas allowed in the team. Had he been a Perera or something would have been a shoo-in for sure :narine

Lol. Seriously though, get him in. He can be the answer to your batting woes.
 
Deserves a Test call up or at least a SL A team call up. Thought he'd be touring with the SLA team that is currently playing in NZ doing pretty well. I think SLA decided to go with players who can also play ODI's. He seems like a Test material batsmen and SL rarely plays test and plays tons of Loi. He might have to do what Kaushal Silva did, put in the hard work in domestics score like 30 centuries in FC before getting a call up.

He's got a good List A average tbh. So does Kaushal, think you guys should give them both a go in ODIs. People thought Azhar wouldn't be ODI material but he manages a pretty decent S/R.
 
He's got a good List A average tbh. So does Kaushal, think you guys should give them both a go in ODIs. People thought Azhar wouldn't be ODI material but he manages a pretty decent S/R.

SL needs a stable middle order batsmen. With, Sanga and Mahela gone, SL needs Kaushal silva to keep things in check. We have too much hacks. Don't think Kaushal Silva can be a dynamic batsmen though. Test call up maybe for Roshen Silva but not ODI. There is a big gap between SL FC and international so that is another issue as well.
 
Sri Lanka's batting has looked very ordinary in this tournament so far - unless Dilshan gets them off to a good start (which at almost aged 40 he can't keep on doing) I've no confidence in them setting or chasing a reasonable score.
 
I hope they won't. Too good a team to miss out. Their u19 bowlers were awesome. Hope the talent is there. They need a couple of good batsmen to support Mathews, I really feel for that guy!
 
Dilshan needs to retire. Starting to lose respect for this guy. Also their newer players look very ordinary. Mathews, Chandimal and Kusal Perera are the only ones with any talent. Mathews is the only top-level player from Sri Lanka right now. As I said Bangladesh needs to organise a series against them and induct them into the Banglawash club asap.
 
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