Newly elected captain of Sri Lanka, Upul Tharanga, warned Virat Kohli-led team India ahead of the 5-match One Day International series, starting on 20th August. Hosts Sri Lanka was embarrasingly whitewashed 3-0 by India, which created an Indian record. Reacting to the miserable loss, Sri Lanka has made a lot of changes in the ODI team. Upul Tharanga, who scored 18 runs in 6 innings, became the captain, Lasith Malinga has been recalled and Dinesh Chandimal, who led the hosts in whites, could not find a place in the 15-member squad.
India selectors, on the other hand, gave rest to a few players and allowed them to play county cricket, keeping in mind the forthcoming England tour of India.
In a statement to the press, Upul Tharanga seemed confident about himself and his team. He said, “Every team goes through a rough patch. This is something that happens in cycles to every team and every nation no matter how great a cricketing nation they are. Sri Lanka dominated in all three formats for a good 18 years – don’t forget this now when we are going through a rough patch.”
“These areas are being taken care of, and we are seeing the results behind the scenes – however, it will take a little more time for it to be seen externally, so please have patience, and most importantly have faith,” added Tharanga.
India vs Sri Lanka
“Sri Lanka has always been stronger in our white-ball format, and I am confident that we will come out strong and beat India.We have the talent, we have the skill. We have been putting in the hard work, we just need the spirit, and for that, we need your support too,” Tharanga concluded.
This shows the intent of Sri Lanka and also shows they are thinking on the right lines. Now, it is about how they apply it during the match, is what is to be looked at.
