Elated after winning the tri-series on Wednesday night, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said he is all the more delighted because the youngsters played a big part in the achievement.
Sri Lanka were without veteran players Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan, and missed players like Angelo Mathews and Ajantha Mendis. Even Mahela Jayawardene, who played a crucial knock in the final, was sent for the tri-series only after the team's first two matches.
"We had a lot of injuries in the last few months. But we have got young players like Upul Tharanga, Thilin Kandamby and Suraj Randiv. They have been impressive in the tournament," Sangakkara said.
"Then there is Tillakaratne Dilshan and Nuewan Kulasekara and Mahela Jayawardene. Mahela is a big match player, as he proved today," Sangakkara said after his side's four-wicket victory over India.
Sangakkara said his team could have bowled the Indians out for less than 245 and felt the Indian bowlers tried their best defending the total.
"We should have bundled them out to a much lower total. But (centurion) Suresh Raina played one of the best innings under pressure. Then the Indian bowlers bowled well when we batted, credit to them," he said.
Praising Man of the Match Nuwan Kulasekara who took four wickets to trouble the Indians, Sangakkara said, "Kula is an exceptional player. He worked very hard on his bowling and fitness. He bowled a good pace in 130 kmph on the flat pitches in the subcontinent. So he has been our number one ODI bowler."
The Lankan captain, however, felt that his side needs to work harder in the year ahead.
"We will enjoy our triumph today but one series win does not make us a great team, we have to work harder," he said.
Sangakkara said the board at home had given them freedom to choose players on merit and the endeavour of the team is to create a culture where performance counts.
Asked whether Sanath Jayasuriya can make a comeback to the team, Sangakkara said, "The door is not shut on any player. Not only Jayasuriya, the door is open to anybody who performs. If the newcomers are performing then they will get the chance.
"The board back home has given more freedom to choose newcomers who performs. That may be the reason we are doing well. We are trying to create a culture where performance counts. I hate the word youngster as I think age does not matter. If a player is good he is good," he added.
