The comments and statements highlight the ignorance of certain individuals who cannot distinguish between a cricket ball and a tennis ball. This lack of knowledge may lead to laughable comments that could negatively impact the morale of the cricket players who have achieved a remarkable winning streak, securing thirteen successive wins, the second-highest in the history of ODIs.

In his book “The Winner Effect,” Ian Robertson explains that the joy of winning is largely a result of chemical processes. Winning boosts testosterone levels, leading to increased dopamine release, which activates the brain’s reward system and enhances our sense of well-being. This phenomenon is akin to the “winner effect” seen in biology, where an animal winning against weaker opponents becomes more likely to succeed against stronger rivals. Robertson suggests that this concept also applies to human behaviour and competition.

Cricket is a sport that revolves around numbers and statistics, but it is also deeply tied to emotions. It encompasses the soaring highs of victory and the crushing lows of defeat, the jubilation of success and the heartbreak of failure. This historic and dismal batting performance serves as a stark reminder of the dramatic and emotional nature of the game.

 Continuously dwelling on past mistakes becomes a mental burden that can hinder performance. To avoid repeating errors, players must proactively let go of bad games and focus on learning from them, maintaining a positive mindset, and improving for future competitions

Glorious Uncertainties 

In 2012, during an ODI against South Africa played away, the Sri Lankan team, which was considered formidable at the time, suffered a major setback, getting dismissed for a mere 43 runs. Notable player scores included Tharanga - 0, Dilshan - 0, Sangakkara - 4, Chandimal - 4, Mahela - 2, and Mathews - 0.
The record for bowling out a side for its lowest score in a World Cup match is also held by Sri Lanka. They achieved this feat in 2001 by dismissing Zimbabwe for just 35 runs.

The Indian cricket team’s tour of England in 1974 proved to be a total disaster, as England emerged victorious in all three matches. The results were as follows:First Test: England won by 113 runs; Second Test: England won by an innings and 285 runs; Third Test: England won by an innings and 78 runs, with India scoring only 42 runs in the second innings. Unfortunately, upon their return to India, Ajit Wadekar and the team faced a hostile reception at the airport. They were met with rotten eggs and tomatoes thrown by cricket-illiterate hooligans who were clearly unhappy with the team’s performance. 

The main point is that even the greatest players cannot ensure victory; the legendary Don Bradman got out for a duck in his final appearance, denying him a 100 average. Whether we set personal targets or aim for a true victory, failure is valuable feedback. Instead of doubting ourselves, we should see it as a clear sign of areas needing improvement. Losing is an opportunity for growth, not a reason for self-doubt.

Politics and Cricket

The National organizer of the main opposition party, SJB, Tissa Attanayake, has called for an investigation to determine whether there was any political interference or manipulation involved in the defeat. Some politicians have even made humorous remarks, suggesting that it was a planned endeavour to offer a birthday gift to Prime Minister Modi. Lasith Malinga once strongly criticized Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara’s comment that the players were the most unfit in the world, stating, “When parrots are in a cage, monkeys outside are making noises.”

Encouraging message from W/Cup winning Captain Ranatunga, a politician who knew cricket, to our boys, “With the exception of Aravinda de Silva, the cricket team we have today is more talented than the 1996 W/C winners.” 
It’s not uncommon for passionate sports fans to react strongly, and sometimes irrationally, to their team’s losses. It can be observed abundantly in Asian countries. In cricket, which is extremely popular in nations like India, emotions run high, and fans express their disappointment in ways that may appear extreme or peculiar to outsiders. Such behaviour can include venting frustration on social media, burning effigies, or in street demonstrations.

While such reactions might be perceived negatively, it’s important to note that the majority of fans who understand the intricacies of the game tend to handle losses more gracefully. They often encourage young players to put the loss behind them and focus on upcoming challenges, such as the World Cup. Sports can indeed serve as a unifying force, and most fans appreciate the spirit of competition and hold respect for the opposing team.
After the 1996 ICC World Cup Semifinal, there were unfortunate incidents where effigies of Azharuddin were burnt. During that 1996 semi-final match at Eden Gardens against Sri Lanka, Indian fans began rioting as India’s performance went downhill, slipping from 96 for 1 to 120 for 8. 

In 2013, Australia and India played a seven-match ODI series; India won the toss and chose to field first. Australia posted a competitive total of 295 runs on the scoreboard. However, just four overs into India’s run chase, rain interrupted the match, and it had to be called off. Following the match’s cancellation, there were reports of stones being thrown at Dhoni’s residence in Ranchi. It was later revealed that some ignorant fans were unhappy with Dhoni’s decision to opt for fielding first. 

Whether we set personal targets or aim for a true victory, failure is valuable feedback. Instead of doubting ourselves, we should see it as a clear sign of areas needing improvement. Losing is an opportunity for growth, not a reason for self-doubt

Lowest Test total-26 Runs

On March 28, 1955, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, cricket witnessed one of its darkest moments when its 11 batsmen collectively scored only 26 runs in the second innings of a test match against England. This remains a record low for a test innings in cricket history.

Sri Lanka is set to begin their World Cup journey against South Africa in Delhi on October 7. It’s essential to acknowledge that good and bad days are part of the game. What matters most is the mindset. Staying positive and not dwelling on the past is crucial. Interestingly, research by Vansteenkiste and Deci [2003] found that losers who receive positive feedback tend to feel more competent and exhibit greater intrinsic motivation. This highlights the importance of constructive feedback in maintaining motivation and confidence, even after setbacks.

We have our ups and downs which may cause the defeat of the side one is playing. Perhaps, thanks to good individual performances, in both batting and bowling, Sri Lanka was in a position to win Test matches against Australia which was rated the best. All of us thought we were coming up in cricket. Then came the 50-over cricket, where the style of cricket played is different. This is the type of cricket that has become prominent due to the 50-over World Cup cricket. Hence, our cricketers who play for Sri Lanka in this format of cricket should know what type of cricket should be played.

Continuously dwelling on past mistakes becomes a mental burden that can hinder performance. To avoid repeating errors, players must proactively let go of bad games and focus on learning from them, maintaining a positive mindset, and improving for future competitions. Mental resilience is key to success in sports.

Good luck boys!
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