Dasun Shanaka, the captain, said that his team's defeat in the T20 World Cup was due to the "negative environment created outside" and that fitness and form were not the only areas in which Sri Lanka failed. He also strangely asked the government to shield the players from criticism. After losing to New Zealand by 61 runs after losing to England by 51 runs, Shanaka expressed regret to his nation for the humiliating elimination from the Super Eight stage. But the criticism his teammates were receiving for their lackluster performances did not sit well with him. It's really difficult for us players to keep the outside noise under control.

He stated following Wednesday's defeat to New Zealand that "we only have this game and I don't think this could be saved." "So, most of the time, we mainly hear negative stuff, so no matter how positive we are as players, there is a negative environment created from the outside," he said. Why, therefore, is the negativity being disseminated in this manner? Alright, we know why we lost the World Cup. Everybody has worries."So, I think we'll play and go, but if the government could step in and stop those, I think that will be great help for the better mental health," he continued in a plea that had never been made before.

"We are deeply sorry for this. We also had a chance to win the England match if we had been more sensible. It was a one-sided game. I have nothing to say to the audience; we haven't given them a victory to be pleased with," Shanaka remarked.
Elaborating on the reasons for the team's downward spiral after group stage, he said the wickets here didn't behave the way he expected.
"I also said before the competition began that I thought the wickets would be decent. We sincerely apologize for what transpired. Everyone goes out there with the goal of performing well and winning for the team; nobody goes out there to fail," he declared.

Six injuries
Shanaka also acknowledged that the Sri Lankan players' level of fitness was inadequate and that the number of injuries continued to grow as the competition went on. Early in the competition, the team lost top pacer Matheesha Pathirana to a hamstring injury, while all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was also sidelined by a same issue.The degree of physical fitness is not, in my opinion, at its peak. By the end of this World Cup match, I believe we have four or five injuries, and our top players are out. Thus, it is evident that we have certain problems with our physical fitness.

"I believe Sri Lanka must be among the teams with the most injured players when we look at the last few World Cups. In terms of fitness level, I sometimes believe the other teams are much ahead of us," he remarked.When playing for a country, fitness should be the first priority, in my opinion, as it is an unavoidable factor. Everyone is aware of Wanindu Hasaranga's skill and importance, as well as that of Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga. I'm not arguing that this is an excuse, though, since we don't have these players.
The future is unknown.
Shanaka stated that Sri Lanka must set long-term goals before a major event, but he is unsure if he would continue to be captain following the disappointing Super Eight performance."As captain, I have no idea how long I will hold the position; Sri Lanka Cricket's selectors decide that. However, I'm glad I was given this chance for so long.In addition to making many wise choices, I have also committed mistakes. "To be honest, I'm glad I could be a captain at a World Cup," he remarked.