“We have beaten the Number 1 team in the world” – Sanath Jayasuriya proud of Sri Lanka’s historic ODI series victory over India

Sri Lanka’s interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya was proud after they defeated India by 2-0 in the three-match ODI series. The hosts won the third and final ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo by a gargantuan margin of 110 runs to win a series against India after 27 years.

India is the number one team in ODI and T20I rankings and Jayasuriya was delighted to get over the line against the potent Indian team. The home team came up with a collective effort in the ODI series after they were clean-swept in the T20I series.

Jayasuriya revealed that Rajasthan Royals Director of High-Performance Zubin Bharucha helped them prepare in the best possible manner for the India series.

Jayasuriya said as quoted by Cricbuzz, “I got Zubin from Rajasthan Royals and he came and did a seven-day coaching program. We learnt a lot, the players learnt a lot on how to bat long innings, and one batsman was batting 2-3 hours. That gave the batters a lot of confidence. The players only need confidence. If they get some runs on the board, if they are bowling well, if someone gets starts and gets big runs, so those are the little things they can get the confidence high. At the end of the day, we have beaten the Number 1 team in the world.”

Meanwhile, Jayasuriya’s last assignment as a temporary coach will be the upcoming tour of England, where Sri Lanka will play three Test matches. The former attacking opener is hopeful that the players find a good full-time coach.

“Sri Lanka cricket is looking for a coach at the moment. I stepped in for two series: the India series and the England series. They will look for a coach, I’m there as an in-charge for high performance but I will support Sri Lanka cricket. I must thank SLC, they have given everything possible for the players and for our support staff. Also, I hope they will find a good coach to bring these youngsters to a higher level and continue the winning streak,” Jayasuriya said.

Sri Lanka was able to come up with a collective show and reaped rewards for the same.