Former Sri Lankan captain, Kumar Sangakkara has urged the current head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and recently sacked limited overs captain Angelo Mathews to resolve whatever rift which exists between the two individuals and move forward for the sake of Sri Lankan Cricket.
Recently, Mathews was removed from his position as the leader of the pack after island nation's poor Asia Cup 2018 campaign, where they got knocked out in the first round after losing to both their group opponents Bangladesh and Afghanistan. One of the reasons cited by the SLC, in consultation with the team management, was Mathews' lack of adequate fitness standards.
Having watched the proceedings closely, "Sanga", who has been an open admirer of both Mathews and Hathurasinghe, wants them to overcome their problems and support the now appointed all-format captain Dinesh Chandimal.
"I think this breakdown of communication needs to be sorted quickly," Sangakkara was quoted telling ESPNcricinfo, "It needs to be sorted through direct, honest and clear conversations between captain, the management and the player concerned." and said, "They need to make sure, also, that the public also has the right idea of why this decision has been taken, especially at an emotional time."
"What they have to be careful is that it's not a knee-jerk reaction to the team's performance at the Asia Cup, but it's actually a worthwhile decision for the side." he added, "But I really think that with Hathurusingha's strategy, Angelo will find himself back in the side very soon."
Not only the captaincy position, Mathews has been dropped from the limited overs squad as well. He won't be a part of the side that will take on England at home from October 10 but interestingly, will be back for the Test matches against the same opponent in November.
Speaking on Mathews's struggles with his performances and how Sri Lanka needs to carefully manage him like an asset, Sangakkara further said, "Angelo's performances in the past suggest that he's a player of great value to the side. I think it's very important to get Angelo bowling again. I think it does his confidence a lot of good. It does the Sri Lankan side a lot of good." he added, "And whoever is captain - whether it's Angelo or Dinesh Chandimal - it gives them a lot of options to use a multi-skilled cricketer in different situations. All of that is going to be absolutely vital to their chances at the World Cup."
