Sri Lanka batting coach Vikram Rathour described the team’s defeat to England as “disappointing” but backed his side to bounce back and qualify for the next stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rathour rejected suggestions that Sri Lanka’s struggles were part of “old problems.”
“I haven’t been here long enough to comment on old problems. It was a disappointing game today. We should have chased this target,” he said.
Rathour said the conditions played a major role, describing the surface as “tacky” after being under covers for several days.
“We expected that. Even when they batted, the ball was stopping a bit. We expected it to get better, but I don’t think it really improved,” he said.
On the top order’s approach during the powerplay, Rathour said the message was to play their normal game rather than take excessive risks.
“The message was to play your normal game. Pathum and Kusal have been batting well for us. Kamil was brought in today. He has given us good starts in the past,” he said, adding that better options could have been taken but the team did not deliberately go too hard early on.
He pointed out that on a slow surface where the ball was stopping, pushing for quick singles was risky.
“On a wicket where the ball is stopping, pushing is not a great idea. A couple of our wickets were lost pushing for a single. Either you play a hard shot or you defend maybe. That’s the kind of conversation I’m hoping to have with the batters,” he said.
When asked about the decision to bring back Kamil Mishara and leave out Kusal Perera, Rathour said selection matters were for the captain and selectors.
“That decision may be above my grade, so I won’t comment on that,” he said.
Rathour had high praise for young spinner Dunith Wellalage, who bowled during the powerplay.
“That kid has a lot of character. Whenever he is asked to do something, he delivers for the team. Today was a great example. He has great potential and a big future if he keeps going the right way,” Rathour said.
Addressing Sri Lanka’s second successive failed chase against England, Rathour admitted it was a setback but remained optimistic.
“The discussion was that we need to chase it next time. We haven’t been able to do that again. But we need to win the next one to qualify. I believe that we can still do it. We’ll do it the hard way,” he said.
On whether the batting was overly reliant on Pathum Nissanka, Rathour dismissed the suggestion.
“Every team feels pressure when their best batter gets out. That’s how the game is. We are hoping he will come good in the next two and win us a couple of games,” he said. (Newswire)