Colombo, 26 February (H.S.): Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka issued a clarion call for sweeping, long-term reforms post the team's crushing 61-run defeat to New Zealand, extinguishing semifinal hopes despite co-hosting duties.

Shanaka stressed uncompromising physical fitness as paramount: When representing the nation, fitness must be the top priority—no compromises. Injuries have thwarted our desired outcomes; everyone knows Wanindu Hasaranga's value, alongside Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga's importance. Their absences impact us profoundly—not an excuse, but most stem from fitness lapses.

A perennial scourge across five World Cups, Shanaka advocated beyond fitness: Long-term planning is imperative for World Cups; short-term goals falter in majors. On captaincy, he deferred: Selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket decide; I'm grateful for the honor, proud despite errors.

Team selection hinged on batting-friendly pitches like R. Premadasa, favoring high strike-rates, but conditions diverged. Shanaka conceded power-hitting voids but urged adaptive play: Reverse sweeps trump big hits here—Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage exemplified.

Amid fan disappointment with one Super Eight fixture left, Shanaka apologized: Profoundly sorry for failing to delight; we could've beaten England with smarter cricket. He decried toxic negativity eroding mental health, imploring government intervention for emerging talents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar