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Lankan lion roaring at the right time

V.V. Subrahmanyam

CRICKET / Every player goes through bad patches, says Jayasuriya

He says it is important to play a long innings
He is delivering his familiar knock-out punches

— Photo: Vivek Bendre

FINDING HIS TOUCH: Sanath Jayasuriya (left) of Mumbai Indians, seen with Robin Uthappa, has started to convert his starts into big scores.

HYDERABAD: Sanath Jayasuriya, playing for Mumbai Indians, could not have timed his return to form better in the DFL-Indian Premier League, now in progress.

With the high-profile tournament entering the decisive phase of spotting the qualifiers for knockouts, the Sri Lankan has begun delivering his familiar knock-out punches, much to the chagrin of various opponents. His blazing century against Chennai Super Kings the other night was possibly an indication of things to come.

“I have not come here on a holiday. I am here to help my team’s cause. There are expectations you have to fulfil,” said the dazzling batsman in a chat with The Hindu.

Changing rhythm

“I was getting the starts in the first four matches too but was not able to carry on and it was disappointing. But now, I have started changing the rhythm and that has given me confidence.

“It is important to play a long innings,” said Jayasuriya, who has 12310 runs and 346 wickets from 411 ODIs.

“No doubt, it is an exciting and great experience to play along with Sachin Tendulkar and I am enjoying it. He is a great cricketer, a calm character and a nice person. There is no pressure and it is really easy to play together with him out there,” he said.

“But it would be different when we play for our countries. Now he is my captain and I have to adjust according to the situation, and play as a unit and help the team,” Jayasuriya said.

Asked whether the IPL was giving a fresh lease of life for many senior players he said: “Well, even if that is the case, one has to keep performing.”

Questioned on how many more years he would continue to play, he replied: “I have not given a serious thought to it. But it is certainly not going to be long. For the moment I am trying to do well whenever I am given the chance to represent my country.”

Asked whether he was feeling younger at 38, he said: “I work hard on physical fitness. I am keen to perform at this level. The guys who are 30-plus have to work really hard to play longer and most of them are really fit,” he said.

“I always love to play for my country. Initial reports said that I was not selected in the team. But now, I have been included in the squad for the Asia Cup. I’ll see how it goes. I think playing and performing is important.

‘Bad patches’

“Every cricketer goes through bad patches and it is hard no doubt. But one has to just try and perform well in the middle,” he said.

“When you go on a tour, you have to make sure you keep performing. If you don’t they will start all sorts of false talk again,” said the south paw with a smile.

He feels that there is very good domestic talent in Sri Lanka. He, however, refused to comment on the functioning of the Sri Lankan Board.

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