Kamal Ghorui
A heart-broken Dasun Shanaka issued a heartfelt apology to fans after Sri Lanka crashed out of the T20 World Cup, admitting failures, fitness concerns and missed opportunities contributed to another painful exit.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Co-hosts Sri Lanka were eliminated in the Super Eight stage following a crushing 61-run defeat to New Zealand, days after suffering a 51-run loss to England. The twin defeats left their final match against Pakistan inconsequential, extending a barren run in global tournaments since their 2014 triumph.
“We feel very sorry about this,” Shanaka said in an emotional post-match press conference. “For the spectators, I don’t have anything to tell. We have not given them any win that they can be happy about.”The captain admitted Sri Lanka had squandered crucial moments, especially against England. “England match was also a match that we could have won. If we were more sensible, we could have won that. This match was a one-sided game,” he said.
Poll
Who or what do you think is MOST responsible for Sri Lanka’s early T20 World Cup exit?
Shanaka also pointed to unexpected playing conditions, saying the pitches did not behave as anticipated despite the squad being built around proven domestic performers. “Before the start of the tournament, I mentioned I expected good wickets. The best batsmen in Sri Lanka are here. No one goes out there to fail; everyone goes to win for the country,” he said. “Unfortunately, sometimes we lose games from small changes we don’t even think of. So honestly, we are very sorry.”Fitness and injuries emerged as a major concern, with Shanaka admitting Sri Lanka were lagging behind global standards. “I don’t think the physical fitness is up to the maximum level. We had about four to five injuries, and our best players are out. When considering fitness levels, other teams are way ahead of us,” he said.He stressed that fitness must become “non-negotiable”, highlighting the absence of key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana as a huge setback, while insisting he was not using injuries as an excuse.Shanaka also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s lack of power-hitters and called for long-term planning, while remaining uncertain about his own captaincy future. “As a captain, I have no idea how long I will be the captain. It’s decided by selectors. I have made good decisions and mistakes as well, but I’m happy I had this opportunity.”Despite the disappointment, Shanaka urged his side to finish strongly against Pakistan. “No matter the problems, we have to go positively. It’s very important to finish the World Cup well because it gives momentum for the next tournament,” he said.
