In what will be their first assignment for the year 2023, Sri Lanka are all set to take on India in a three-match T20I series, starting January 3 in Mumbai.
On the eve of the series opener, Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka addressed a press conference, where he said that the Asian champions have got “some experience” to call the shots in the first T20I unlike the hosts.
“The first game is really important. India have totally changed their lineup. We also got some experience in our camp. We are looking forward to the first game, we must do well in the first game which sets the tone for the other games,” Shanaka told reporters.
This will be Sri Lanka’s first T20I series after the T20 World Cup 2022 debacle in Australia, where they failed to make the main round.
“We didn’t have a good World Cup, so we would look to step up and do well in this series,” Shanaka said.
“Many of our superstars didn’t do well in Australia. But when it comes to Asia, we know the conditions and pitches well. It’s important to start well.
“India is always a better side, what we need to do is to play good cricket against India. It’s always tough against India in India. But we have a good team, looking forward to a good series,” he added.
Following the T20I series, the two teams will square off in a three-match ODI series and the Sri Lankan captain feels it would give them an ideal preparation for the 2023 50-over World Cup, scheduled to be held in India later this year.
“With the World Cup scheduled in India this year, the T20 and ODI series are very important because most of the guys in the side have not played in India.
“Definitely, this will give us exposure in a lot of grounds and conditions and playing against India will be good preparation for the World Cup,” he said.
During the recently held IPL mini-auction, Shanaka went unsold but he is not worried about it.
“It’s not in my hands. I was really keen to get into an IPL side. But it happens in life, opportunities come and go. I’m not worried. What I can control is my own performance, so I’m looking forward to doing well in this series and staying consistent in international cricket,” he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
