Both India, Sri Lanka will begin white-ball sequence evenly: Dasun Shanaka

Newly-appointed Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka on Saturday stated it will likely be an excellent contest between his struggling facet and overwhelming favorite India because the visiting group is stuffed with newcomers.
India have come right here with a squad comprising six uncapped gamers.
“Both groups will begin evenly as a result of they (India) have gotten new gamers developing. We all know that they’ve performed IPL however nonetheless, they haven’t performed worldwide cricket, so each the groups have even possibilities,? stated Shanaka on the eve of the primary ODI towards India right here on Sunday.
Shanaka on Friday grew to become the tenth Sri Lankan captain up to now 4 years when he was named skipper of a 23-member squad for the six-match white-ball sequence towards India, to be performed right here.
The India group, which can play three ODIs and as many T20s, is led by Dhawan. The Test group led by Virat Kohli is at present in England to participate within the upcoming five-match sequence.
Sri Lanka named the squad solely on Friday evening. Asked whether or not that was a bonus, the 29-year-old right-handed batsman answered within the affirmative.
“Yes, a slight benefit as a result of they (India) haven’t seen these guys in worldwide cricket, as nicely, so sure, I really feel they’ve to arrange nicely for these newcomers as nicely,? stated Shanaka.
On how difficult it’s to guide Sri Lanka in present occasions, he stated, “Yeah, it is always challenging, you know international cricket and the outside (off the field) problems, it all matters, but the end of the day you have to get to it and perform as a team, it is the main concern we all have, so I am sure that boys will look on to it.”
The gamers and board SLC have been locked in a longstanding battle over nationwide contracts. For this sequence, the gamers have signed tour contracts, the way in which they did for the England tour.
The sequence was initially to start out on July 13 however was later pushed to start out on July 18, after a few COVID-positive instances have been discovered within the Sri Lankan squad.
According to Shanaka, his facet would get an excellent expertise after enjoying towards India.
“The experience will be very good, you know playing against one of the top teams in the world, so it will be very good to play with India at this point because we can exactly measure the levels we are in, so it will be a good tournament for us,” he added.
Sri Lanka didn’t win a single recreation on the UK tour throughout which their three gamers have been despatched again house for breaching the bio-bubble.