15 October – Lucknow – Sri Lanka Captain Kusal Mendis pre-match press conference
[Reporter:]
Kusal, you will compete with a new responsibility. But you are still showing your usual talent. Is being the captain in this match creating additional pressure for you, or are you not dwelling on it too much?
[Kusal:]
Yes, actually, first I want to say, I am very happy to have the captaincy. And I hope to play in the future in the same way as I have played so far. Because I don’t have anything to change. I’ve had previous experience as a captain. I’ve also held the position of captain in practice matches here. Speaking about my batting, I aim to maintain this level of performance. I prefer playing in a manner that aligns with the team’s requirements.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, at this moment, you had the opportunity to see the pitch. What can we anticipate for the match? Additionally, with Dasun and Matheesha not participating, how might the team’s composition change?
[Kusal:]
We are still discussing it. We have practice today, and based on its outcome, and base on the wicket we will determine the ideal combination. By morning we will decide exactly who will play and who won’t.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, the first two matches saw our bowlers face struggles. In your role as the team’s captain, what strategy do you have in mind for our seasoned bowling attack?
[Kusal:]
Referring to the initial two matches, it’s a common understanding that Indian pitches offer favorable conditions for batting. It has a good wicket. We have to prepare to adapt to it. I have a strong belief that the bowlers made sincere efforts to contribute their best to the team. We can observe a similar pattern in other teams too. Despite possessing a strong bowling lineup, opposing teams have managed to score in the range of 300 to 350 runs. As a team captain, I am going to closely observe their performance in practice and make adjustments based on their playing style. Implementing significant changes all at once can be challenging. I aim to understand the preferences and needs of the team members and make adjustments accordingly.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, what are your thoughts on the weather when you arrive at Langnau Stadium? We find the weather here to be very harsh. Will this matter for Sri Lanka in Australia match? Because this harsh weather will be more important to us than the Australia team? What do you think about it?
[Kusal:]
Yes, it is really good because the climate here is similar to that of Sri Lanka. I think it will be a big advantage for us. Because we think it will be difficult for them to play in the heat. But we cannot say exactly about it. They have played IPL here. Many of them had played India previously. So, when we talk about it, we cannot think too much that it will be an advantage for us. Because they are an experienced team and many of them have played in India before. He has also played in Asian countries. So, we are looking to make this an advantage for our side.
[Reporter:]
Apart from our opening batsmen, the top order performed impressively in recent matches. They have also posted some notable scores in the Asia Cup. Do you believe there are any issues with our opening batsmen?
[Kusal:]
It’s difficult to make a definitive assessment. Kusal Janith and Pathum Nissanka have consistently delivered strong performances. Even though Kusal had a setback in the first match, we’ve observed his solid contributions in the qualifier matches. We’ve discussed with him what he needs to do, but occasional failures are part of the game. When it comes to Kusal Janith, he has a completely different role. According to the role we have given him, we have to keep him even if he is out after scoring less in 2 or 3 matches. I believe it would greatly benefit the team if both Kusal Janith and Pathum manage to stay at the crease. If they can bat for 10-15 overs, then they will get what the team needs. I have a lot of confidence that they will perform well in the forthcoming matches.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, I first of all congratulate you on your new position. Usually, after the players get the captaincy, there are some changes in their batting. What do you think, will we be able to take care of the usual batting from Kusal Mendis or will the usual batting be changed?
[Kusal:]
I have no intention of making any major changes because that wasn’t my initial plan when I arrived. I didn’t anticipate scoring quickly and making an impact. However, after participating in the two practice matches, I’ve recognized that the pitch is favorable, allowing me to play to the best of my abilities and maintain my typical style. There might come occasions in the future when I can’t sustain this level of performance consistently, as bowlers also have their strategies. Nonetheless, I aspire to maintain this form in every match. I don’t feel excessive pressure as captain because I understand that if I perform well, it can significantly impact the outcome of the match. Therefore, after taking on the captaincy, my plan is to continue playing in my typical style.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, In the previous match, it was observed that you experienced cramps and were subsequently admitted to the hospital. Could you please provide more details about what happened to you during that time?
[Kusal:]
The intense heat during every match here has been a challenge. I genuinely regret experiencing cramps after my batting. I believe that had I been able to field, we might have achieved more. It’s a personal weakness I didn’t anticipate. I think it was a result of overexertion. I’ll take measures to ensure it doesn’t happen in the future.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, Dasun, serving both as a captain and an all-rounder, is a valuable asset to the team. His absence is undeniably a setback. How do you hope to manage it as the new captain?
[Kusal:]
Indeed, it’s quite unfortunate. The absence of Dasun Shanaka, an all-rounder, presents a significant disadvantage for us at this moment. As a team, we deeply regret his absence. Moreover, when we previously lost Wanidu Hasaranga, we made an addition to the team to compensate for his absence. It’s not just about Dasun; I believe that if any of us were to leave the team, the next person stepping in should be ready to assume the same responsibilities. I trust that whoever fills in for Dasun will strive to fulfill his role for the team, and that’s what we expect. I aim to provide wholehearted support to the individual joining the team, guiding them to achieve their best. I also have faith that Dasun will return to the team, which would be a significant boost for us.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, Australia match is very crucial because we have lost two matches. Also, we get to play against Australia, they have lost two matches. They have played a match on this pitch before, so they know about this pitch, so they have a little advantage. How do you see this as the captain? And we see your exceptional skills in your batting and your offensive batting has suddenly developed. Is it something technically prepared? Or do you develop something that was usually there?
[Kusal:]
In response to the initial question, Australia has lost two matches, and we’ve also faced two losses in our recent games. I consider this a positive situation. When we take into account the two defeats we had, we’re performing at a commendable level. We managed to score around 300 runs even when we were chasing a target of about 400 runs. 320 runs were scored in the second match. I think we are better than them as a batting unit. It’s actually a very good thing. Because they are coming to tomorrow’s match with a doubt with our team. We have no problem with that as a team. As a group we are above them and to be at a higher level. We have that confidence.
Talking about the other question, I am batting in a different way than I used to bat before. When I first came, I used to play like this. There was no big change in technique. I played a little more for the ball coming to my strength. I was able to do that because I worked a little.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, In the past two matches, Australia struggled against spinners in their games against India and South Africa. Considering this, do you think there’s an opportunity to include an extra spinner in tomorrow’s match?
[Kusal:]
We haven’t really decided that yet. I don’t think anyone else will be needed. Because, we have Mahesh Thiekshana, Dunith Vellalage, and Dhanjaya played well before. Besides, we have Charith. I think we have three main bowlers. Those three guys have done what we need in the previous matches. I will be able to face this match with these three people, we will decide on this tomorrow morning after looking at the wicket.
[Reporter:]
Kusal, Especially the way you are batting in the last two games, is it playing with the mindset? playing with the same tempo?
[Kusal:] Yes, I follow a similar approach. Afterward, I assess the runs required for the team, which is a routine procedure. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve dedicated a lot of effort to enhancing my skills. Fortunately, in the last two matches, I managed to play in the manner I intended, allowing me to return to my usual form.
[Reporter:]
You guys had some success against Australia last year in the ODI series, you think they’re vulnerable right now, considering the way they’ve been playing, and the way you guys have been batting in this tournament so far?
[Kusal:]
Yes, we’re doing really well in a couple of – I think 3 – 6 months, we were in the Australia tour also, I think we have a better unit in form right now, and a bowling unit. I hope more confidence in my batting part. I think we can do everything and a couple of next matches.
[Reporter:]
Before the World Cup you played the Asia cup and most of the matches in Colombo, where the pitches were a lot more bowling friendly than they are here. Do you think that was the ideal preparation for the team?
[Kusal:]
Yeah, I think when I compare to Sri Lanka it’s a good wicket here – I think bowling part is very important for every match. I hope my fast-bowling unit done really well in a couple of matches in practice matches also. I hope the next couple of matches he has done really well.
[Reporter:]
There’s always been talk about you being the next big thing for Sri Lankan cricket. So how are you feeling with your batting right now after your two innings in the last one week? Have you done anything differently or is it just you’re just feeling better about your batting?
[Kusal:]
I’m happy and a couple of matches getting runs in first match and second match. I hope I can continue with my own game. I hope I can play the same way in other seven matches.
[Reporter:]
In last match against Pakistan, we saw Theekshana and Pathirana was not getting their line right and so many runs behind the wicket on wide ball. What are your efforts to improve this thing?
[Kusal:]
I think he bowled really well in the qualifying matches also. Everyone sees the IPL also; he bowled really well. I think some players have some issues in some areas. Then I think he won us the baseball in Sri Lanka. I think, I hope in the next few matches he done really well in the practice sessions. I think he comes back strongly. I hope he can do anything.
