No one thought Sri Lanka would even make it past the 2022 Asia Cup’s group stage. But not only did they enter the Super 4 by trashing Bangladesh, but the Lankan Lions also set on a fairytale run to lift the Cup by beating Pakistan on September 11.
In the press conference following Sri Lanka’s 2022 Asia Cup final win, captain Dasun Shanaka heaped praise on the inspired SL team while also mentioning how Dhoni-led CSK influenced them to keep fighting.
How did MS Dhoni-led CSK inspire Shanaka and co?
Shanaka, in the press conference after Sri Lanka’s 2022 Asia Cup final was quoted as saying, “We talked about CSK’s 2021 IPL final, it was Chennai (under MS Dhoni) who won the final after batting first,” signalling how it inspired Dasun Shanaka and his men.
In the 2021 Indian Premier League final, CSK –much like Lanka in yesterday’s game– had lost the toss and had to bat first on the Dubai pitch. Nonetheless, they still managed to get their hands on the trophy by beating Kolkata.
Looking at that victory had infused belief in the Lankan unit, perhaps, that they could win the game despite losing the toss.
However, how MS Dhoni-led CSK inspired his side was not all that Dasun Shanaka talked about at the conference. He credited the players a lot for the 2022 Asia Cup win: “I think the players, they stood up. Each and everyone contributed. It is (great), the team environment and the coaching staff.”
Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who made a crucial 71* to help Lanka trump Pakistan by 23 runs was also sitting next to Shanaka. He emphasised on how the side wants to replicate the aggression of the successful Lanka sides of the distant past.
“Couple of decades ago, we had aggression in the Lankan side. We wanted to create those moments again”, Bhanuka said.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper, didn’t do well in the final but has inspired them to multiple tough chases in Dhoni style. He, Bhanuka, and Hasaranga are gonna be the 3 key players that Sri Lanka will bank on, in the upcoming T20WC.
Shanaka admitted that the momentum that comes from the 2022 Asia Cup triumph- where they beat cricket giants in India and Pakistan will help a lot in the mega-event.