As a captain, I don't like to lose, says Dinesh Chandimal

The new Test captain of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal feels that they have a lot at stake in the last Test match against India and they don’t consider it is all over for them despite being 0-2 down in the 3-match series. Chandimal feels that if they can win the last Test, they can gain a lot of confidence and take the momentum further.

Chandimal says it has been a tough task for both the team management and selectors while picking the team after losing the services of crucial players. Asela Gunaratne was ruled out in the very first session of the first Test while Nuwan Pradeep was out of action post the 1st day of the 2nd Test. Sri Lanka will take the field in the final Test starting on Saturday in absence of their premier bowler Rangana Herath, who is suffering from a stiff back.

“We are two down but we still are a really good team. If we can win this game, we can get more confidence and go forward. The series is not yet over. As a captain, I don’t like to lose,” said Dinesh Chandimal in the pre-match press conference ahead of the 3rd Test.

“The manager and selectors cannot get the right combination, especially if you lose players like Rangana (Herath), Nuwan Pradeep and Asela (Gunaratne). They are good players. We are struggling because of that also but we don’t want to give excuses.” The Sri Lankan captain added.

Inspiring words from Aravinda de Silva

Chandimal says that the interaction with their former Sri Lankan cricketing legend, Aravinda de Silva has boosted the squad’s morale currently passing through one of their toughest periods ever. “He is a legend and one of the greatest batsman that Sri Lanka has ever produced. We had a chat with him three days ago and after that, the players look confident,” said Chandimal.

Talking about the pitch at Pallakele, Chandimal expects to see some support for the pacers like in the past at the venue. He also hoped that the young bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando will have something to showcase. “I haven’t had a look at the wicket because of the rain. Most of the time, we get seaming wickets here. So maybe it suits fast bowlers. We haven’t yet decided our team because of the weather.”