Sri Lanka have been all but eliminated from the 2023 World Cup. The island nation, which won the 1996 World Cup, is struggling to even qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy. They suffered one of the most embarrassing defeats in cricket history earlier today at the hands of India.
Playing at the Wankhede Stadium, Sri Lanka got all out for 55 runs while chasing a massive target of 358. They have become the first team to lose two ODIs by 300+ runs to the same opponent, having lost to India by 317 runs earlier in Trivandrum.
Sri Lanka need to make some changes immediately after the 2023 World Cup. Here are four changes that they can make.
1. Sri Lanka must plan a ODI-specific team
Looking at the way Sri Lanka played against India, it looks like their batters do not have the technique and patience to succeed in ODIs. The selectors must groom a few players only for the 50-over format, so that the team can improve its performance.
2. Sri Lanka should not pick T20 specialists only
Picking Matheesha Pathirana based on his IPL form proved to be a disaster for Sri Lanka. Pathirana is talented, but he is not yet ready for the ODI World Cup stage. The selectors should not pick T20 specialists for big events going forward.
3. Give priority to experience
Experienced players like Angelo Mathews came in and performed well straightaway for Sri Lanka. Had the islanders backed a couple of more experienced names before the 2023 World Cup, the results could have been better.
4. Sri Lanka should appoint new coach after World Cup
Chris Silverwood has failed to motivate his men to perform well consistently. The islanders must now hunt for a new coach. Either it can be a Sri Lankan legend or another player, but the island nation needs a new coach now, especially in ODIs.
