Reetinder Singh Sodhi, the former India all-rounder, said that coach Rahul Dravid and captain Shikhar Dhawan will not be concerned by former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga's statement that it is a second-string India side touring the island and that they will remain focused on beating their opponents.
The Shikhar Dhawan-led India white-ball team is currently in Sri Lanka and will play three ODIs and three T20Is against the hosts, starting July 13, with R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo being the venue for all matches.
Ahead of the clash, Arjuna Ranatunga stirred up controversy and claimed that India’s squad for the Sri Lanka series is a second-string side, suggesting it was an insult to Sri Lankan cricket.
Referring to his comments, Reetinder Singh Sodhi said that the Indian head coach and skipper on the Sri Lanka tour, Rahul Dravid and Shikhar Dhawan, will not bother about Arjuna Ranatunga’s statement.
He added that former Sri Lanka skipper may have to admit his mistake and eat his words up when India wins.
"I feel Rahul Dravid and Shikhar Dhawan will not bother about this statement. They will just concentrate on their cricket and beat Sri Lanka hands down. After that when the statement is run, it will be very interesting. Arjuna Ranatunga will have to eat his own words,” Reetinder Singh Sodhi told India news.
Sodhi found the statements insensible. He cited the example of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to explain how a similar group of youngsters helped India win against the mighty Australian side.
"It is said you should never take your opposition lightly. The sort of statements that have been made, there is no need for that, they do not make sense. What we have done in Australia when our main players were injured, these boys were the top performers there," he said.
Reetinder Singh Sodhi further pointed out India’s bench strength saying that Shikhar Dhawan-led side is very good as most of the players have represented the national team before as well.
"Only six guys can make their debut. All the remaining players have worn the Indian jersey and some of them have played in all three formats. I think this is testimony to the fact how good this team is,” he said.
The ODIs between Sri Lanka an India will take place on July 13, 16, and 18, while the T20Is will be played on July 21, 23, and 25.
(India News Inputs)
