Sri Lanka batting coach Avishka Gunawardene says the confidence level of the team is very low after being drubbed by India in the ODIs and emphasised that his players need to work on the mental aspect of the game.
India have taken a commanding 4-0 lead in the series, denying the hosts a direct entry in the 2019 World Cup.
“We don't have much time for preparation. It is only two days since the last game. More than preparation and stuff we need to get mental side right. As coaches we try to give all the players confidence. We will see how it goes. We have given them some targets and let's see how it goes,” Gunawardene said on the eve of the fifth ODI.
Sri Lanka needed to win at least two ODIs in the ongoing series against India for direct qualification and now need favourable results in the series involving West Indies, Ireland and England for their fate.
“It has gone beyond our control now. We have to make sure that we try and win the game on Sunday. That is the only way we can turn things around. If I say that mood is really good I will be lying. To be brutally honest, confidence level is really down and naturally so when you are 4-0 down.
“But I must say that the guys are trying hard. Their enthusiasm is still pretty high. We have been trying to give them certain targets and hopefully we can achieve those targets,” said the batting coach.
Gunawardene insisted that his players had potential and urged the younger lot to progress fast.
“In all four ODIs, almost everyone in the top six batsmen have taken starts. However they could not go on to get a big one. It is these small things that matter. These guys are still young and they need to learn, and fast,” he said.
“Dot balls has become a big issue for us. Our dot-ball ratio in the last 12 months is something like 145 in a game. That is almost 50 per cent. That is one area we have to rectify,” he added.
