Playing India Twice Instrumental in Sri Lankan Cricket Turnaround - Nic Pothas

Since the 9-0 tour whitewash in Sri Lanka in August last year, cricket in island nation witnessed a massive turnaround, as they defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh on the away Test series.

Also, Sri Lanka won all their series in 2018, before the early exit in the Nidahas Trophy.

Former Sri Lankan Head Coach, Nic Pothas, in a recent interaction, reflected on the rapid improvement in Lankan cricket, post a tumultuous period in August-September last year.

Pothas recalled the win over Pakistan, at their fortress at UAE, as the memorable moment during his stint as a coach. Also, Pothas mentioned that playing twice against India last year and defeating Pakistan made the Lankans better.

“I believe that playing India twice last year and then taking on Pakistan improved Sri Lankan cricket. Just prior to the Pakistan series, a new selection panel had come in,” Nic Pothas told Cricbuzz.

“They allowed us to pick the team for the Test series. I told them that I was going to pick characters. Not to worry about names. That stood us in good stead. The way the guys fought was amazing. That was working well,” revealed the former Sri Lankan coach.

Pakistan remained undefeated since 2010 in Test series at their adopted home in UAE. Lankan, starting off as underdogs, went on to upset favourites Pakistan with a 2-0 whitewash over hosts.

“I am not very good at enjoying moments. I was looking forward to improving going forward. But that was the best moment of my stint. It was great to have my wife and kid in UAE when we won the series. I enjoyed it and will look back at that series with fond memories,” commented Pothas while reflecting on the iconic Lankan win last year.

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Grateful for the opportunity to coach SL: Pothas

Pothas is now looking at a coaching career in county cricket, after leaving Sri Lanka as a better coach.

In conclusion, the South African thanked SLC for the opportunity presented to him.

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“I have had a fantastic time with Sri Lanka. I am grateful for the opportunity. I left Sri Lanka a better coach than I had arrived. I hope I contributed to Sri Lanka as well,” concluded Nic Pothas.