Kusal Mendis beginning to realise his potential

Thursday, 10 July 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Winning Sri Lanka ODI team

Pockets Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards

Kusal Mendis with his Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards

Sri Lanka Captain Charith Asalanka receives the LG Abans Trophy for winning the ODI series 2-1 from Sri Lanka Cricket Vice President Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa

Since scoring that sublime century (176) at the age of 21 at this very same venue Pallekele against Steve Smith’s Australians nine years ago, Kusal Mendis of whom a lot was expected has failed to fulfil his extraordinary batting talents being more of a blow hot blow cold type of cricketer lacking the consistency to scale the great heights.

Now at 30 he is really beginning to realise his potential and has started to make worthy contributions towards his team’s success. Mendis’ knock of 124 off 114 balls in the third ODI at Pallekele enabled Sri Lanka to beat Bangladesh by 99 runs and with it pocket the three-match series 2-1.

His century came on the back of a rapid 20-ball half-century which he scored in the second ODI before throwing away his wicket that led to Sri Lanka’s 16-run defeat.

“After I got out, I realised that the decision I took was wrong, it was not an easy wicket and I was the set batsmen and should have continued batting, that is reason for our defeat,” admitted Mendis after receiving the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards following contributions of 45, 56 and 124 with the bat in addition to four catches and one stumping as wicket-keeper. “The head coach and batting coach spoke to me and said that when you are in the runs, that I should go for a big score. My rhythm from the last match and today was different and I mixed caution with aggression. I am extremely happy that more than scoring my sixth ODI hundred I was able to contribute towards the win. It was a crucial match for us and I believe I did my best.” Prior to the match batting coach Thilina Kandamby had stated that Sri Lanka won matches 90-95% when Mendis scored a century.

“We spoke a lot about that. When I was batting in the nets also, he always kept reminding me that when you get set, to go for a big score and not to throw away the wicket after getting to 50s and 60s. He had high expectations from me for this match and I am happy that I was able to fulfil it,” said Mendis.

Asked what new dimensions he has brought to his batting Mendis replied, “I have started to attack more in the first 10 overs of the ODI power play and in the first six of the T20Is.”

Giving reasons for Sri Lanka’s sudden rise in the ODI format where they have won seven out of their last nine ODI series, Mendis said, “About 2-3 years back we were not performing well and were down in the rankings. As a member of the team, I feel proud that we have been able to win so many series. Charith (Asalanka) is captaining the side well and there is a lot of support from the player management side as well. The background is healthy and we are able to perform well. Whatever situation or pressure we are under, it is the coaching staff that absorbs it, that is why the players are able to play their natural game.” (ST)

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