Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis was adjudged the man of the match in the 2nd T20 and also the man of the series. (Photo credit should read MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

A major transformation for the Lankans has played a major role, as the players have gone through a transition phase. The top order batsman Kusal Mendis was included in the side after being overlooked against India. He has set his horizon on something spectacular.

Sri Lanka completed a successful tour of Bangladesh. The Islanders registered a victory in the second Twenty20 against the Tigers by 75 runs. With this win, the Lions also completed a clean sweep.

Earlier, Lankan team clinched the tri-series One-day International which also involved Zimbabwe.

Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka, T20I Series, Bangladesh
Sri Lanka thrashes host Bangladesh by 75 runs to seal T20I series. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

The Lions then went on to win the Test series 1-0. And now, have won the two match T20 series 2-0.

The 23-year-old batsman Kusal Mendis couldn’t make any major impact in the ODI series scoring just 83 runs in four innings.

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However, the right-handed batter Mendis managed to make the most of the opportunity in the Test series. He averaged 90 to score 271 runs in just three innings.

Usually, a number three or four batsman, Mendis opened the innings in the recently culminated T20I series. He emerged as the leading run scorer with 123 runs.

Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis scored 123 runs in the two-match T20 series. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

The right-handed batsman scored 123 runs two innings and was adjudged the Man of the match and Man of the series. Mendis replaced injured Kusal Perera in the T20 series.

In an interview, Kusal Mendis said that it his dream to be named among the top ten batsmen in world cricket.

Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis was adjudged the Man of the Match in the 2nd T20 and also the man of the series. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Here is the thread of the interview:

Q). You were an instant hit opening the batting for Sri Lanka in that clean sweep of Bangladesh in all three formats. How would you describe your role as an opener?

“Opening the batting was no problem for me. It did not make a big difference from moving up from No.3 because in fact, I have been accustomed to opening. I did open against Zimbabwe, and I have done so even for my club.”

(Q). Your comments on rediscovering form?

“I went back to the drawing board and really practiced hard from the first month after I lost my place. The club coaches helped me a lot during that period. My one resolve was to make a strong comeback and be there right along.”

(Q). From that point with Chandika Hathurusinghe coming as head coach, he pointedly asked the selectors that he wanted you in the squad. How did it go from there?

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“Yes, I must stress that I did a lot of homework at training. I am very thankful to the head coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe who raised my spirits mentally along with batting coach, Thilan Samaraweera when I was mentally down”.

(Q). Can you elaborate further?

“Both Hathurusinghe and Samaraweera took a special interest in me by having long chats with me and strengthening my mind set when I am performing in the middle. That did sharpen my resolve tremendously”.

(Q). You spoke much in a previous interview as to your childhood coach Jayalath Aponso when you swished a bat as a 7-year old. Did you go back to him for advice during that bad patch?

“Yes, I did. In fact, I always make it a point to be in touch with my first coach from whom I learned the basics when my father put me in his charge at the Jayalath Aponso Cricket Academy as a kid. My dad it was who started me on a cricket career and went to extremes to ensure that I got a sound basic training at that age.”

(Q). Was it overconfidence that caused you to lose your wicket from the high you started your career? Your nonchalant batting is such that in that epic test century against Australia you reached the magical three-figure mark by hooking a delivery from off to leg for six. Did your aggressiveness lead to a tendency that bowlers worked on?

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“No, I wouldn’t say that my overconfidence in shot making led to that form slump. I just play my normal game. It so happened that I began to wane.”

(Q). World experts have been commenting on the dexterity of your stroke making and that there is a science in your batting at such a young age. They are putting you in the bracket of top batsmen like India’s Virat Kohli. Your comments?

“I do have a dream. My immediate target is to get up there among the top ten batsmen in international cricket.”

Here’s the news feed:

Sri Lanka expresses interest for Indian players to feature in Lankan Premier League

India likely to host bilateral series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh

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