Sri Lanka’s new head coach arrives at a critical juncture, tasked with reviving a team rich in talent yet struggling for consistency across formats. With global experience gained from successful stints with powerhouse sides, he steps into the role with a clear-eyed assessment rather than grand declarations. His early days have been spent observing, listening, and conducting a thorough audit of the squad, signalling a methodical approach to rebuilding. From managing the growing influence of franchise cricket to instilling discipline, clarity of roles, and a unified direction, his vision is centred on creating a balanced, resilient unit capable of competing with the world’s best. In this wide-ranging conversation, he outlines his philosophy, immediate priorities, and long-term ambition of restoring Sri Lanka to the summit of international cricket.
Q: You had considerable success with teams like India and South Africa. Coming to Sri Lanka, what is the formula you plan to implement to make this a successful team?
A: The formula will evolve as we go along. We’ll assess the environment and understand what the team needs. I’ve spent the first week doing a team audit to get a sense of where everyone stands. It’s an exciting project with plenty of talent in the country. I’m heading down to Galle now to watch some players, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the talent available.
Q: Given Sri Lanka’s current standing across all three formats, where would you like to see the team by the end of your tenure?
A: I think we would all like to see the team performing strongly across all formats. There are some major tournaments coming up, including a World Cup in about 17 months. We want to perform well there. The aim is to have Sri Lanka playing at their best and competing at the top level. The motivation is to take this talented group and help them perform consistently against the best teams in the world.
Q: Your last international role was with Pakistan. Have you insisted on any overriding authority with Sri Lanka Cricket?
A: No, I’ve had several discussions with the CEO and the Director of Cricket, and I’m comfortable with the processes in place. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive, which I really appreciate. I’ve already had conversations with some senior players, and I feel we are all moving in the right direction. That’s the key—when pressure comes, we must still believe in the direction we are heading.
Q: You mentioned conducting a team audit. Have you already identified areas where the team is lacking?
A: I don’t think it’s necessary for me to point that out at this stage. It would be irresponsible to make such comments so early. My focus is on what sits behind the team and how I can help individuals perform at their best. I do hear things and there is some noise in the system, but ideally, we want a clean environment where players can focus on performing.
Q: With the rise of T20 leagues and multi-format commitments, how do you plan to manage workloads and keep players focused on national duty?
A: That’s a challenge for every country. Franchise leagues play a significant role in players’ careers. Sri Lanka has a number of players involved in major leagues, which is something to be proud of. Our responsibility is to manage workloads carefully. It’s important to have depth in the squad so players can be rotated. You can’t expect one player to play continuously without risking burnout. Every country is dealing with this.
Q: How would you prioritise your work with the team?
A: My main priority is to find the best balance across formats. That means understanding the roles required and identifying players who can fulfil them. If you have a balanced team that can adapt to conditions and opposition, you are in a strong position. Right now, I’m focused on understanding those roles and ensuring we have the right skill sets in place.
Q: Having achieved success with other teams, what are your ambitions with Sri Lanka?
A: The goal is to take Sri Lanka to the top of world cricket. Given the talent here, the current rankings don’t quite reflect the potential. With the right direction, this team can achieve a lot, and I’m excited about that journey.
Q: Communication can be a challenge for foreign coaches. How do you plan to overcome that?
A: I’ve worked across different cultures before. English works well as a common language in cricket. But communication is not just about talking—it’s about building relationships and understanding players. I’m here to support, not to dominate. I need to understand the culture and what motivates the players.
Q: There is criticism that Sri Lankan players have not adapted to modern cricket. Do you agree?
A: We want to bring everyone up to speed with the modern game. But I do believe there is enough skill and talent in the country. We’ve seen strong performances, like the recent game against Australia. The key is consistency and ensuring the right balance in the team.
Q: With players involved in various competitions, how difficult is it to prepare as a team?
A: It’s not easy. Often, we may only have the full squad together a few days before a series. But that’s the nature of modern cricket. I actually prefer players being in match situations—it keeps them sharp. This period is important for me to understand the system and the depth within Sri Lanka cricket.
Q: What motivates you to return to international coaching?
A: I’ve always preferred international cricket. It allows more time with players and carries a greater sense of purpose. Representing your country means a lot, and I enjoy helping players understand that responsibility.
Q: How important are attitude and work ethic alongside talent?
A: They are crucial. Talent alone is not enough. Players need strong work ethic and the right attitude. My role is to build a group that is motivated to perform and committed to doing what is required for Sri Lanka.
Q: How do you view player fitness?
A: Fitness is very important, mainly to keep players on the field and avoid injuries. The standards here are in line with global expectations. Players need to meet those levels consistently.
Q: Has your coaching philosophy evolved over time?
A: Yes, it has. Data now plays a big role in identifying advantages. Also, modern players are more informed, so you need to present strong, evidence-based arguments. Coaching is more collaborative now rather than directive.
Q: How do you approach selection—statistics or role-based performance?
A: Statistics are important and provide a solid base. But you also need players who can perform in key moments. Identifying those players is crucial and takes time.
Q: How are you planning for upcoming major tournaments like the World Cup?
A: Planning starts now. We have around 20 to 25 ODIs before the tournament. We need to prepare for different conditions and ensure we have the right skill sets. Results matter, and we want to improve steadily leading into the World Cup.
