Sri Lanka interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya has revealed that several players contracted viral flu during the three-match T20I series against India. Earlier, Matheesha Pathirana (shoulder injury) and Dilshan Madhushanka were ruled out of the series and thus SL had to name Mohammed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga as their replacements.

The former Sri Lanka opener revealed the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana had the viral fever whereas Binura Fernando had to be admitted to the hospital.

Jayasuriya said in the pre-match press conference, “We have brought Pramod Madushan into our squad. There’s also a viral flu in the team and we need to account for that. Maheesh Theekshana was sick and he recovered enough to play. Wanindu Hasaranga also had it. There were several who caught it and in the end, we even had to admit Binura Fernando to the hospital.”

Jayasuriya, who was known for his brutal hitting, especially against India said he hated losing during his playing days and also as a coach.

“I’m interim coach and I’ve only got these two series, but that’s not how I think. When I was playing, and even now, I hate to lose. The players who are around now know that too. When I talk to them, I tell them that fans in this country love the game, and a lot of us, including me, have brought cricket into this country to a certain place. I’ve spoken about that a lot individually with players and as a team. In terms of facilities and practice, I’ve tried to do as much as I can,” he added in the same interaction.

The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Friday.