Sri Lanka’s last Test-series victory at home against India was 18 years ago. But this time the hosts are upbeat about their chances in the two-Test series against India.
In these past several years, India have either drawn or handsomely beaten the Islanders. But the current side has had a very hard time in Test cricket, especially since October 2024. Alongside their recent dip in form in the format, India’s struggles against disciplined spin bowling are thus giving Sri Lanka an extra bit of confidence for the series starting Saturday.
“Yes, actually, with the home conditions, I think we have a better chance this time to win against India, especially in Galle,” batsman all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, who can also bowl both off-spin and left-arm spin, said in a select virtual interaction organised by Sony on Wednesday.
“They’ve been struggling in Tests in recent times. However, I don’t think one should underestimate them. We have respect for them and we know that they’re a good team But also know that we too are a good team.
“So yes, with the home conditions and the combination of our team, I think we have a better chance to win the series,” Kamindu, who had equalled Don Bradman’s milestone
for the fastest to 1,000 Test runs a couple of years ago, emphasised.
Sri Lankan pitches are usually on the slower side with some assistance for spinners. However, given India’s below-par showing against spin over the last few years, the hosts could pose bigger problems for Shubman Gill and team if the surfaces offer sharp turn, Mendis acknowledged.
“As a spin group, we have good bowlers like (left-arm spinner) Prabath Jayasuriya, (off-spinner) Ramesh Mendis and even Sonal Dinusha. Our spinners can do really well in our conditions.
“Prabath and Ramesh have a good record in Galle. So, we do believe our spinners will be a key factor in this series.
“They have their own plans and have analysed each and every batsman in their (Indian) team. The preparation has been good, and we’re good to go. Whoever may be at the crease, we’ll look to make it competitive for India,” the 27-year-old said.
Kamindu’s role is primarily that of a batter who can bowl if required. Now, if the pitches offer assistance, the ambidextrous bowler may mix it up with his left-arm and off-spin to add to India’s problems.
“We’ve got good great spinners in our side. And if the wicket helps, I think (captain) Dhananjaya De Silva and myself will be in the game as well. As a batsman, or for that matter as a batting all-rounder, I’m more focused on my batting. But it doesn’t mean I have given up my bowling.” Kamindu said.
However, losing specialist top-order batsmen Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, who are both nursing injuries, is certainly a setback for the side. “It’s a big loss, though such things can happen in cricket. Still, we have got good replacements,” Kamindu said.
India tour of Sri Lanka starts Saturday, live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD & SonyLIV, 10am IST
