IPL offers great learning experience: Thisara Perera

Pune, April 9 (IANS)

Kings XI Punjab all-rounder Thisara Perera on Thursday said the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a great learning experience with lots of foreign players, captains and coaches participating in the tournament.

Kings XI Punjab face Rajasthan Royals at the MCA International Cricket Stadium here on Friday.

“In IPL, you can see a lot of foreign players and lot of captains and lot of coaches. I think that is main thing for us, you know, we can take advice from them, and we can change our thoughts. It's a great learning experience,” Perera was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

With captain George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson and David Miller nailing down the Punjab foreign player slots, breaking into the first XI is going to be just as difficult this time around for Perera.

But the Sri Lankan praised George Bailey's leadership at Kings XI.

“I have worked with him (for a) couple of years and I think he knows how to handle his players and get the best out of every player. Team meeting and everything he really handles well,” Perera said.

Perera admitted to favouring the shorter formats, but said he wanted to establish himself in Test cricket as well.

“Actually my batting style and bowling style, I really like to play Twenty20 and 50-overs. But I have played only 6 matches in Tests. I have to play another 20-30 matches because I like to play Test matches. Normally, my batting style is, I am the big-hitter. I am always hitting, hitting, hitting,” the 26-year-old said.

Perera said he was proud of having played alongside Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.

“We miss these two legends. I think without Mahela and Kumar it would be really hard for batting department. Mahela, he has retired already, Kumar is going to be another two-three years or so, I don't know actually,” he said.