Shanaka also spoke on the off-field issues Sri Lanka cricket has been facing.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka believes that both India and the Islanders will start evenly and have even chances in the upcoming limited-overs series comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is starting with the first ODI on Sunday (July 18) in Colombo.
He also said the upcoming white-ball series against one of the top teams – the Indian cricket team will be a learning experience for the young Sri Lankan team.
Shanaka said at a press conference ahead of the first ODI: “Both teams will start evenly because even they have got new players coming up. We all know they (the Indian cricketers) have played the IPL, but still (not many) have played international cricket. Both teams have even chances.”
The newly-appointed skipper continued, “The experience will be very good, playing against one of the top teams in the world. It will be very good to play against India at this point because we can access the levels we are in. It will be a good tournament for us.”
On the off-field issues regarding the central contracts and bio-bubble breach, Shanaka said: “It is always challenging. In international cricket, outside (off the field) issues do matter, but at the end of the day, we have to get there and perform as a team. That's the main concern we have. I am sure the boys will look on to it.”
Sri Lanka announced a rather inexperienced squad for the ODI series, but Shanaka feels India will find it a bit challenging to face the rookie youngsters in the upcoming series.
He signed off by saying, “We will have a slight advantage because they have not seen these guys at the international level. I feel they have to prepare well for these youngsters.”
(With Sportstar Inputs)