In cricket, the impact of a coach can be transformative, and Rumesh Ratnayake’s role in reviving Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team is a testament to this. Taking charge at a critical juncture in early 2023, Ratnayake has led Sri Lanka to significant victories, including their recent Asia Cup triumph.
By February 2023, the Sri Lankan women’s team was facing a crisis. With only a week left before the Women’s T20 World Cup, they were without a coach following Hashan Tillakaratne’s departure to coach the Bangladesh women’s cricket team. This gap in leadership threatened to derail their preparations and spread a troubling pattern of instability.
Historically, Sri Lanka’s women’s team had struggled with inconsistent scheduling and underwhelming performances. Their performances in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Asia Cup were lackluster, concluding in Tillakaratne’s resignation after the final against India.
Ratnayake’s Immediate Impact
Ratnayake’s appointment in February 2023, initially intended as a temporary measure, swiftly proved to be a game-changer. His approach was refreshingly straightforward. “We have done simple things well,” Ratnayake stated after the Asia Cup victory. He focused on creating a positive environment, remarking, “I arranged the environment, which was very important. Everybody should be on the table together.”
Ratnayake’s strategy centered on simplicity and focus. He introduced the mantra of “one ball at a time,” encouraging players to concentrate on individual moments rather than getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture. “So how do we win that one ball? Batting, bowling and fielding. When we simplified it, when they [the players] understood it, it started to sink in,” Ratnayake explained.
Turning Point
Under Ratnayake’s guidance, the Sri Lankan team experienced a dramatic turnaround. In T20Is, they achieved notable series wins against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa, with victories in all three series coming away from home. Their success extended to ODIs as well, where they secured series wins against New Zealand and the West Indies, these on home soil.
Ratnayake’s influence was evident in the improved performances of key players. Chamari Athapaththu, the team’s star, excelled with 1145 runs in T20Is since early 2023, including two centuries and seven fifties. Athapaththu’s performance reflected a significant improvement in both her average and strike rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ratnayake’s coaching.
Similarly, players like Anushka Sanjeewani and Kavisha Dilhari are starting to show notable improvements. Sanjeewani, previously seen as an underachiever, raised her strike rate and delivered crucial performances. Dilhari’s batting, including her match-winning innings in the Asia Cup final, besides significant improvement in the bowling, showcased her development and the positive influence of the new coaching environment.
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The Asia Cup Triumph
The Asia Cup final highlighted the resilience and mental strength instilled by Ratnayake. Harshitha Samarawickrama, who had faced criticism for early mistakes, played a crucial role in the victory. Dilhari’s aggressive batting in the final overs, scoring 30 off 16 balls, was key in securing the win.
Ratnayake’s focus on reframing negativity into positivity was pivotal. “We also talk about fearlessness. Through words you can bring about negativity. Negativeness can bring in fear. So even today I had to say ‘no, not that, say it differently, reframe it’,” he said. This approach helped the team stay focused and confident, despite the challenges they faced during the final.
Looking Forward
Sri Lanka’s recent successes under Ratnayake are a witness to the power of a positive mindset and a focus on fundamental skills. By simplifying the game and promoting a fearless approach, Ratnayake has rejuvenated the team. Sri Lanka Cricket would benefit from building on this foundation, ensuring that the positive changes continue to influence the team’s future.
As Sri Lanka celebrates their Asia Cup victory, the focus now shifts to the upcoming 2024 Women’s World Cup in Bangladesh. Ratnayake’s tenure serves as a reminder that sometimes the most significant changes come from the simplest ideas. The team’s newfound resilience and improved performances set a promising foundation for the World Cup.