Arjuna Ranatunga had called Team India on Sri Lanka tour a 'second-string' side.
Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga's comment on the Indian cricket team for the Sri Lanka tour is getting reactions from ex-cricketers in India. But the Indian team is not paying any attention to the 'second-string team' remark.
India batsman Suryakumar Yadav said they are looking forward to the challenge in Sri Lanka while ignoring the talks going on outside. Indian cricket team played an intra-squad match after coming out of the quarantine.
"Not really (we don't talk about that). Everyone is completely focused. The way the practice sessions are going, the way the game went yesterday, it's going according to plan and we are really excited for the challenge," Suryakumar said during a virtual press conference on Tuesday.
"We are not thinking about that (this being a second-string side). We are just here to have some fun, enjoy this series and take a lot of positives from here," he added.
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While the Indian cricket side will be playing limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, the Virat Kohli-led senior team is gearing up for the five-match Test series on England tour. Suryakumar finds the idea of playing two teams simultaneously exciting.
"Two teams playing together is the first time happening and I am really excited. Playing on one ground, it will be the same for both (India and Sri Lanka) the teams," said the right-handed batsman.
"After the first day you get to know how the conditions are then you plan according to ground dimensions and pitch conditions," he added.
The 30-year-old further talked about the conditions in Sri Lanka and said the team is familiar with it having played in Mumbai and Chennai.
"We have played in these conditions. We have played in Mumbai, Chennai, and conditions where the humidity is high. Most importantly, we have come here 15-20 days before the tournament to get acclimatized to these conditions," said Suryakumar.
"We played a game too yesterday, if there will be slow wickets, you need to take time. It will be a good challenge and I am looking forward to it," he concluded.
India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in three ODIs and three T20Is, beginning July 13.
(With ANI Inputs)