'Why would I congratulate' - Kusal Mendis' strange reply to journalist while being asked about Kohli's record-equalling 49th ODI ton

India faced South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens on Sunday, November 4. Rohit Sharma called it right at the toss and opted to bat first. Virat Kohli, celebrating his 35th birthday, scored a scintillating patience-fuelled ton to equal Sachin Tendulkar's 49 ODI hundreds. 

Kusal Mendis was asked about Virat Kohli's record-equalling hundred by a journalist in a pre-match press conference ahead of Sri Lanka's crucial clash against Bangladesh. The Sri Lankan captain seemed more concerned about Sri Lanka's performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup and responded in a blunt manner. 

Sri Lanka have had a dismal campaign so far but have not yet been ruled out of the World Cup. Their push for the semi-final berth has taken quite a few twists and turns, with disastrous performances and injury setbacks. Wanindy Hasaranga, who sustained a hamstring injury, was ruled out before the start of the tournament. Dasun Shanaka was later ruled out of the tournament with a muscle injury to his right thigh, and Kusal Mendis was named captain. 

Sri Lanka's campaign was off to the worst of starts after a drubbing at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. There was promise in the second game, with hundreds from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama, but was overshadowed by Mohammad Rizwan's majestic ton. 

Their third consecutive defeat came at the hands of a desperate Australian side before bagging their first win against the Netherlands. They pulled off a brilliant win against a struggling England before losing to high-flying Afghanistan in Pune. It was a nightmare all over against India as Mohammed Shami picked up a fifer. 

Sri Lanka take on Bangladesh on Monday, November 6, in Delhi to keep their World Cup campaign alive.