Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Kusal Perera has urged senior players to step up and take more responsibility if the Islanders are to beat India in the ongoing three-match T20 series.
The series, which started on January 5, saw its first game being abandoned due to rain and the teams now travel to the Holkar Stadium in Indore. As for Sri Lanka, the team has not only failed to match the expectations in recent years but have also dwindled in finding replacements of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
Speaking ahead of the game, Perera admitted that he needs to be at his best and also urged the other senior members to ‘pull their socks up.’
"I didn't play consistent Test cricket but in white-ball cricket, I played the last series in Australia. There I played well but not upto the mark. So I will try to do my best in this series," said Perera, who has played 18 Tests, 98 ODIs and 43 T20s.
"We need to play together as a team. Obviously the senior players will have to pull up their socks. They will have to do much better but at the same time the good thing is we have some young bowlers and batsmen in the squad," Perera told bcci.tv.
Sri Lanka are ranked seventh in the T20 rankings, and although India aren’t far ahead (fifth), the contrast between the two units remains a big one. Perera, on his part, is well aware of India’s threat and says the Lankan Lions will put their best show in the second T20I.
“They (India) are very good. In world cricket, India is at the top of the rank. So, as a team we will try to do what we can do in the middle. We back our strengths.”
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ishara S. Kodikara
