Thirimanne: No excuses, we have to perform
Sri Lanka batsman Lahiru Thirimanne says he and his team should not use the retirements of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene as an excuse if they do not do well.
The Asian side have struggled in all formats since their two stalwarts called time on their international careers after the World Cup last year.
Sri Lanka are currently in India preparing to play in the World T20, where they are the defending champions after winning the global title, with Sangakkara and Jayawardene, in Bangladesh in 2014.
Thirimanne said: "We don't have any pressure, the team after Sanga (Kumara Sangakara) and Mahela (Mahela Jayawardane) is in a regrouping process and that's not an excuse and we have to perform well.
"We have a good young bunch, no excuses we have to perform. We are the same group. We have played for about three years (together). Angelo (Matthews) is the captain since 2013, it's been familiar faces, so there is no pressure."
Sri Lanka start their World T20 campaign against a qualifier in Kolkata on Thursday.
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