New Zealand lost the third test at the weekend, and the series 1-2, leaving Patel, who helped with the team's preparation, struggling for explanations.
``I will be very interested to see the tour report,'' said Patel who attended the pre-tour camp in Christchurch where the focus was on playing Sri Lanka's dangerous spinners.
``Perhaps after getting 1-0 up and knowing we have lost series away from that position a few times before in recent history put some defensive thoughts into the minds.''
Patel, who played 37 tests for New Zealand, said he would have expected the Black Caps to have drawn the second test at Galle which was restricted to about three days after rain wiped out much of the first two days.
``Surely, even on an average wicket, a couple of guys could have dug in somewhere along the line.''
Patel also questioned the performance of the New Zealand slow bowlers in relation to their Sri Lankan counterparts.
``Paul Wiseman did so well in the first test - why did he not kick on? And Daniel Vettori was apparently having a few technical troubles during the second test but came right in the third.''
Patel also questioned whether a third spin bowler should not have been taken into the second test at Galle with the likelihood of a turning track. Three spinners were used in the third test.
``To me, adding Mark Priest gave us the ideal set-up for the conditions.''
Before the second test began Patel had floated the idea of a third spinner in place of a specialist seam bowler.
``I've got a few questions from this distance. It will be interesting to see what the answers are.''
Patel said only Stephen Fleming could stand up and say he had a good tour with the bat averaging 71 from the three tests. The next best was Adam Parore averaging 27.
``It's not easy against their spinners on average wickets but we had talked about it thoroughly and made such an ideal start.''
Former New Zealand coach Glenn Turner said it would be difficult to monitor pitch conditions in countries after suggestions that the International Cricket Council get involved to ensure an acceptable standard.
``The match referee gets there too late by which time pitch preparations are well advanced. And from what I know of grounds on the sub-continent, the groundsman is always receiving 'advice' on what sort of wicket is required beforehand.
``The results were disappointing after the good start. I thought Sri Lanka might have struggled because they lost the series in South Africa. Our batsmen don't play spin bowling well not getting a lot of quality here.''
Turner said Fleming's form was encouraging but he would prefer to make a considered judgment about the team over a year-long period.
Turner, who was replaced by current coach Steve Rixon two years ago, is writing a book, Lifting The Covers, with his brother, Brian.