Sanath Jayasuriya cites viral flu as excuse for Sri Lanka's horror show against India

Sri Lanka's interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has revealed that a 'viral flu' has contracted the Sri Lankan players which has affected multiple players in the team. Jayasuriya revealed the news before the first ODI between Sri Lanka and India, which will be played on August 2 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

The Sri Lankan team is already suffering from injury problems which has seriously depleted their fast-bowling resources. The team had earlier lost fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara. Chameera was out with illness while Thushara fractured his thumb. Both these players were not even a part of the T20I series and won't be part of the ODIs as well.

Recently, other fast bowlers like Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana have joined the list as well. While Madushanka is reported to have injured his hamstring, Pathirana has picked up a shoulder injury. Pathirana was one of SL's brightest spots in the T20I series with 5 wickets in two innings.

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Sanath Jayasuriya admits 'Viral flu' in Sri Lanka's team affecting the team combination

While speaking at a press conference ahead of the first ODI against India, Sanath Jayasuriya broke the news of a 'viral flu' in the team. Jayasuriya also revealed that players like Theekshana and Hasaranga also suffered from the flu but recovered just in time to be available.

"We have brought Pramod Madushan into our squad. There's also a viral flu in the team and we need to account for that. Maheesh Theekshana was sick and he recovered enough to play. Wanindu Hasaranga also had it. There were several who caught it and in the end, we even had to admit Binura Fernando to the hospital," Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Sri Lanka suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of T20 World Champions India. They had their chances in every game but failed to seize crucial moments. They had their best opportunity in the third T20I. But they squandered a good position once again as India held on to the nerves to win the match. Although, it was a dead rubber, but it would have been a confidence booster for the home team.

I hate to lose even now, claims Sanath Jayasuriya

Jayasuriya further mentioned that he is trying to do as much as he can for the team. He admitted that he hates to lose a game even now that he is not on the playing field.

"I'm interim coach and I've only got these two series, but that's not how I think. When I was playing, and even now, I hate to lose. The players who are around now know that too. When I talk to them, I tell them that fans in this country love the game, and a lot of us, including me, have brought cricket into this country to a certain place. I've spoken about that a lot individually with players and as a team. In terms of facilities and practice, I've tried to do as much as I can," he added in the same interaction.