He tormented Kumar Sangakkara not only as the wicketkeeper but also in his first series as Captain, a memory that Kumar would no doubt like to forget. His negative contribution no doubt demoralised the whole team as could be seen from their lackadaisical performance on that day.

Malinga suddenly appeared before the public gaze from virtual obscurity. Whether his sudden rise to fame and fortune could have upset his mental equilibrium is a matter that perhaps needs scrutiny. The marketing and advertising firms grabbed their opportunity to advertise their products with the least concern for the wellbeing of the individual concerned. The senior members such as Sanath, Murali, Mahela and Kumar were evidently mentally strong enough to absorb the impact of the publicity they received from such publicity. I would suggest that the senior members of the team including Sanath Jayasuriya, Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara discuss this issue among themselves and decide on a suitable course of action. Perhaps the services of a Psychologist may be necessary to correct any suspected aberration.

This reminds me of a similar action taken by the late Mr. Gamini Dissanayake, the former President of the BCCSL at a time when he thought that our team was under performing. He sought the services of a wellknown Sports Psychologist from the West Indies by the name of Dr. Rudy Webster ( if I can remember his name correctly ) about 25 years ago to conduct a series of lectures to our Cricketers.

While recommending the above measures, my fervent wish is that Lasith Malinga will come back into the game, sooner than later, with all cylinders firing so that Sri Lanka Cricket will profit through the immense natural talent he possesses.