Beating India in India is always a huge challenge. However, we beat them in the Asia Cup, hence we’ll be banking on that. We have given a good fight to them in the past and expected to put up a good challenge during the India series said Sri Lanka white ball skipper Dasun Shanaka before their departure to India on Saturday.
I think the selectors have picked strong sides for T-20 and ODI and their support is vital for the success of the team. Actually I have always been getting good support from them. They are seasoned cricketers and this (leadership appointments) are future investments. Hence, it would stand us in good stead,” Shanaka told reporters on New Year’s eve, ahead of their departure to India.
This time two deputy skippers Wanindu Hasaranga for T-20 and Kusal Mendis for ODIs have been appointed by the selectors.
Wanindu the leg spin all rounder did a good job in the LPL. So he got the potential. Kusal Mendis has been in the system. We had been discussing before they were appointed as vice captains”, Shanaka backed his deputies and said the three of them have been getting on well and have a good understanding and it's a plus point for this series.
Meanwhile newly appointed T- 20 deputy skipper Wanindu Hasaranga said the new responsibility is always a big boost to go forward. Iam very happy to be appointed to this post in the T -20 side. Always we are trying to go forward with our team members and commitment is very vital. As a deputy skipper my responsibility is to support as this Indian tour is going to be a keen tussle as we beat them at the last Asia Cup in Dubai. As a team we have to play well. The LPL tournament and domestic tournaments performance is a big boost to play against India. If we beat India in India it will give good confidence for future matches in 2023.
Hasaranga further said as a bowler I always tried to do my best to get wickets. Actually most of the players who Excelled at the LPL got opportunity to enter the National side. Especially two youngesters Nuwanindu Fernando and Sadeera Samarawickrama really performed well at the last LPL and domestic tournaments and it was the main reason for getting a chance for this Indian tour. Both young and experienced players have to give of their best if we are to beat India said Wanindu Hasaranga who is the present ICC T20 number one ranked bowler.
The newly appointed ODI deputy skipper Kusal Mendis said before I got this post I have already given my best for the team as a batter and a wicket keeper .Actually playing against India is not an easy task but we gave them a good fight recently. We have to maintain our winning momentum from the start. Especially they will miss a few senior players at T- 20 and ODI and we have to take advantage of that
We have not yet decided on our openers. We have Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka and myself I think best two openers will get the chance and after the first match it can be permanent. Actually I normally bat as an opener or between number 2-4 and recently I had a chance to bat as an opener.
However whatever service I have to do I always tried to give my hundred percent for the team which has contributed for the team’s success said wicket keeper batter Kusal Mendis.
The tour, consisting of six matches, three T20s and as many ODIs, opens with the T20s, at the Wankhede, Mumbai.
However, the spotlight is focused on the 50-over games, the same format for the next World Cup but these three India ODIs are not considered for World Cup qualification and it will be decided from next three New Zealand ODIs.
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