With the advent of t-20 and dozens of such leagues around the globe, in addition to international matches all the year, cricket has become more of a mental challenge for cricketers than the physical challenges. As a result, nowadays, players easily got mentally stuck.
Right now, vice-captain of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal has been battling with the same situation. He has been the most consistent batsman for the team in last two years, but in the South Africa tour so far, he has been a complete failure.
In 6 innings of test series, he managed mere 85 runs with a dismal average of 14.16. In three match t-20 series, where he also captained the team, his returns with the bat were 33 runs, with an dismal agerage of 11.
His bad form continueed in the ongoing ODI series as well, where he made 22, 36 and 4 runs in three match so far.
Those statistics are true mirror of his struggles with the bat. And these below par scores are more baffling, as in the absence of injured Angelo Mathews, he is the most senior player in the team alongwith Upul Tharanga.
More than the statistics, he is looking a jaded player in the field. And, it seems, he need a break from the cricket for a while.
Pattah