Responding to a question on a live talk show on a Sri Lankan TV channel recently, Lasith Malinga set the record straight on claims that it was actually Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara who were in charge in the middle in Sri Lanka's final three ICC World Twenty20 2014 matches.
Vice-captain Malinga took over captaincy of Sri Lanka's T20 side from the out of form Dinesh Chandimal, who was dropped from the side during the World Twenty20 tournament, but TV cameras focused on Jayawardene and Sangakkara setting the field and Malinga turning to the duo for advice on bowling changes, which prompted commentators on air to question if Malinga was captain in name only.
"Since Sri Lanka's first captain Bandula Warnapura's time, every captain that came thereafter has been a new, inexperienced captain," Malinga explained on a Sinhalese-language talk show on the Sri Lankan TV station ITN.
"Their success has always come with the guidance and help of experienced previous captains. Experienced players and former captains will always share their knowledge with a new skipper. That's how new captains become experienced and senior captains."
"I have played under Mahela ayya, Kumar ayya and Marvan ayya, and what I have learned from playing under these captains for 10-12 years is that a captain must be willing to listen to ideas and suggestions from senior players and new players — that's true leadership," World Cup-winning captain Malinga added.
"I think I took on the responsibility and did a good job in the final three matches. I was able to utilise the team's best assets to contribute towards Sri Lanka's success.
"The wicket-keeper and the slip fielders are in the best position to determine the exact position a fielder should be placed at, and they can better determine what gaps and angles in the field need to be covered, so no matter who captains, the experienced Sangakkara and Jayawardene will fine-tune and adjust the field from those positions. It's important to use their experience."
Malinga, without naming the broadcaster, also indirectly hit back at his critics on Sirasa TV. The Sri Lankan TV channel has in the past allowed guests on their sports talk shows to unfairly criticise Malinga. Lopsided discussions on the TV channel have focused on Malinga's loyalty to Sri Lanka, accusing him of performing better at the IPL than he does for Sri Lanka.
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