We have plans to tackle Virat Kohli: Dinesh Chandimal

Dinesh Chandimal

Sri Lankan vice-captain Dinesh Chandimal said that his team is not scared of facing Virat Kohli, as their bowling attack is good enough to confront the in-form Indian batting line-up.

NDTV Sports quoted Chandimal, “India are a very good side, especially in last two three years they have been playing good cricket. Virat Kohli is batting exceptionally well. They have some really good players but we got bowlers like Malinga. So we will see tomorrow.

“We are also doing well at the moment. Everyone in both batting and bowling departments are in good form. We are looking forward to a good job.”

On Kohli’s recent form, he commented: “We all know, he is a really good batsman. But as I said we have something in our mind, and we will see it tomorrow. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

“They played really special. They are good at chasing, but we have a good bowling attack. We have something in our sleeves for them tomorrow so we are looking forward to do that.”

The Sri Lankan deputy is banking on Lasith Malinga‘s recent form to destroy the inexperienced Indian middle order. Malinga recorded a match winning 5/52 against Pakistan in their opening game.

“It is crucial for us to get early wickets. With Dhoni not in the middle-order we might be in a good chance if we can take early wickets. Everyone is fit and looking forward to the match.

“He is a specialist bowler and at the moment he is the number one bowler in the world. He works hard in practice and is learning everyday. He has this natural ability to reverse the ball, said Chandimal”

Having played a bilateral series against the home team just before the tournament, Chandimal believes that they would have an advantage, as they are familiar with the Bangladeshi pitches.

He opined: “We are here for quite some time, we know the conditions better like when the dew is going to play a role and how the wicket would behave. We have got the advantage.”

He hinted that Ajantha Mendis could be included in the playing eleven against India.

Chandimal on Mendis’ chance: “He is a wicket taking bowler. I think he has a good chance to play in Friday’s game.”