Cricket News

Dasun Shanaka issues shocking statement on Team India ahead of World Cup 2023

India and Sri Lanka will lock horns against each other at the Asia Cup 2023 final.  Though the Men in Blue beat the Men from the Emerald Isle in a Super Four game, they would want to leave no room for error. In an interview, Dasun Shanka made an honest admission saying that India have a better chance of winning World Cup 2023. The tournament kicks off on October 5 and will be held solely in India.

“I do not think there is something like an advantage or disadvantage. Once you get to India, you know how batting-friendly wickets are. There is a good chance for all the teams. India got a better chance because they know the conditions well, the calibre of players is also good,”  Shanaka said to the press during the World Cup Trophy tour. Then Shanaka went on to talk about his team ahead of the big tournament.

We have a great chance at making it to the World Cup finals -Dasun Shanaka

The Sri Lankan skipper said that his side has match-winners who can win a game on their own if needed. “We have a good batting line-up. There are also quality spinners in our side,” he added. Shanaka then threw some light on Indian pitches and also gave an idea about how the conditions could play out at the ODI World Cup.

“I think pitches will be a challenge. Bowling will be a challenge. The margin of error is very low. We need to execute really well.” he said. Then the Sri Lankan skipper was asked whether he would see a repeat of the 2011 World Cup final. To which he said,  “It is not about the final. It is about the process to which we need to stick even here in the Asia Cup. We came without our key players but still made it to the final. If we stick to the process, we have a great chance to make the final.”

The likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana have played in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shanaka said that these players could help the others with their experience of having played in Indian conditions. Shanaka also said he would like to come back and play in the IPL in the coming years.