Aravinda de Silva urges Sri Lanka players to ignore trolls

Sri Lanka are not having the best of times in international cricket. Usually, a very consistent side, which used to deliver spirited performances especially in ICC events, the Islanders are going through an extended period of transition. In the ongoing Test series against India, the hosts have gone down in both games without putting up a fight.

Sri Lanka cricketers trolled on social media

Due to their abysmal performance of late, Sri Lanka has been a subject of online jokes these days. The entire cricket fraternity was shocked to see them lose an ODI home series against bottom-ranked Zimbabweans. The African nation had never won a single ODI against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka but went on to win the series 3-2 and creating a record for the highest chase recorded in the country. Team mentor and former World Cup winner Aravinda de Silva urged the players not to get disheartened ahead of the third and final Test in Pallekele.

After losing the first Test at Galle by 304 runs, the home side was blown away by India in the second game as they cantered to a win inside four days by an innings and 53 runs. They also failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy as they bowed out of the competition in the first round itself.

Young players should “not to be discouraged by extraneous elements that seek to demoralize them via social media and gossip sites”, said former captain de Silva, according to a Sri Lanka Cricket statement.

Fans have been trolling them on social media following their poor run of form. Even the likes of Harsha de Silva, a government minister couldn’t resist cracking a joke on the national cricket team. He posted a picture of him with Virat Kohli on Twitter and captioned it as: Told Virat Kohli #India Cricket to go easy on #SriLanka next Test. 600 a bit too steep.”

Jayasuriya keeps the faith alive

Sri Lanka Cricket has said that they had a meeting on Monday which involved top officials and the players besides the coaching team. They recognize the slump in form but want to take adequate steps to bring the team back in the fray.

“Sri Lanka are currently facing what is perceived to be a ‘slump’ in their performance and ranking,” the board said.

Former captain and current chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya has called to focus on the 2019 World Cup and remain positive despite the rut Sri Lankan cricket is in at the moment.