'Current players can't fill in Sanga, Mahela big shoes'

"We are not going to replace big players like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, or even Tilakratne Dilshan. They cannot be replaced as they are once in a lifetime players," Arnold said.

"If we ask the current players to be like them, then you are asking too much and would be putting too much pressure on them. I think that's the biggest mistake we are making, looking for replacements and putting undue pressure on the younger players. We have to use what we have. They are different players," he said.

"You have to identify their strengths, let them blossom in their own time and allow them to develop their own styles," he added.

Sri Lankan cricket have seen a massive downfall in the past six months or so. They were unable to beat Bangladesh at home across formats and then they failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy semi-finals.

The islanders then lost to Zimbabwe at home in the ODI series before being whitewashed by India in the Test in the ongoing tour.

Arnold feels injuries and inconsistency are to be blamed for the down slide.

"Well, it has been a real struggle because Sri Lanka have just not been able to get on a roll or been able to identify a team. It has been tough, and lots of injuries have contributed to this," he said.

"On the other hand poor form of senior players has been a contributor as well and when injuries are put together, the transition has just not been able to move forward. If you look at this Indian series, we have had two captains in the Tests and three so far in the ODIs. We had another one in the Champions Trophy, so that's how problematic it has been," Arnold said.

The former left-handed batsman said there is no dearth of talent in Sri Lanka and it was only about understanding one's role in the side.