Sri Lanka require a bit of confidence going into the Indian series: Dimuth Karunaratne

After the three pillars of Sri Lankan cricket by the names of Mahela Jayawardena, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Kumar Sangakkara, called it quits from International cricket, the Lions suffered from a tremendous void which led to the Lankans spiralling down in world cricket.

But players of the pedigree of Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella have ensured that Sri Lankan Cricket is in safe hands even in the absence of their stalwarts. The knocks played by Karunaratne and Mendis in the 2nd Test at Colombo following-on is the greatest testimony to the aforementioned statement.

After a much-needed Test series victory at Pakistan’s fortress at UAE, where the men in green have won almost everything in the last few years, the Lankans are riding high on confidence before they take on India at their own backyard. Looking at the potent Indian lineup and the inexperience in their side, Karunaratne believed that all his team requires is a bit of a confidence.

Karunaratne talks about the inexperience in their side

“That hundred helped me a lot to take some confidence to Pakistan. It’s not easy wicket to bat in second innings. I was determined to get some runs especially against Ashwin, their wicket-taking bowler on that pitch. I was thinking to play first five overs without big shots. I realised it’s not easy,” quoted Dimuth Karunaratne while explaining about his 141 against India.

“I played a lot of sweeps and reverse sweeps and they had to change the field position. That’s my style, to play in my comfort zone and not go for anything else. That’s key and I can bat longer period. that’s my game plan,” further added the southpaw.

“We need a bit of confidence going into the series as apart from Angelo and Rangana Herath nobody else has played here. It was good batting-friendly conditions and the ball was not turning much, so most of us batsmen got runs. It’s all about runs,” concluded the Test opener.