‘Can't do same things and expect different results’ - Kumar Sangakkara after Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup exit

Published - 26 Feb 2026, 12:52 IST | Updated - 26 Feb 2026, 12:52 IST

Co-hosts of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka crashed out of the multi-national event after a thumping 61-run loss against New Zealand at the R Premadasa, Colombo, on February 25.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side had a terrific start to their campaign, winning the first three matches on the trot to qualify for the Super 8 stage with ease. But all went downhill after their loss against Zimbabwe in the last group-stage encounter, as they lost both of their subsequent Super 8 encounters and got eliminated.

After the disappointing result, Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara has come forward to share his thoughts. He took to social media to convey the message, recalling his playing days and disappointments that come with it.

“There is a lot of hurt all round. The fans devastated, disappointed, angry. The players are hurting badly too. I have been in similar dressing rooms. It’s not easy. But this responsibility comes with the turf.  It’s a burden and a great privilege to represent your country and your people,” he wrote on X (previously Twitter).

The left-hander further questioned the condition of Sri Lanka’s cricket, terming that the path they are currently on is not the right one, and it may lead to the country's cricket becoming irrelevant.

“There is a lot of work to be done at all levels to course correct. We can’t do the same things over and over and expect different results when the cricket world around us has evolved so quickly. We haven’t adapted and the danger is irrelevance,” he concluded.

There is a lot of hurt all round. The fans devastated , disappointed , angry. The players are hurting badly too. I have been in similar dressing rooms. It’s not easy. But this responsibility comes with the turf. It’s a burden and a great privilege to represent your country and

After the loss against New Zealand, the Lankans are officially out of the semifinals race. With England already qualified, it will be a two-horse race between Pakistan and the Kiwis for the only available spot from Group 2.

Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka, whereas New Zealand are scheduled to face England in a mouth-watering clash.