Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva has asserted that the Indian veteran batter KL Rahul would pose a big threat to their side when both sides lock horns in the first Test of the two-match series on Saturday, August 15, in Galle.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test, the Lankan skipper asserted that Rahul had put up good numbers when the Indian team last toured Sri Lanka way back in 2017. Notably, Rahul slammed 142 runs from two innings at an average of 71 in the 2017 tour.
“I would say experience-wise, KL Rahul would be the biggest threat for us. He has done well all around the world, and he has played a few matches in Sri Lanka as well. Last time (in 2017), I think he played in our conditions and knows it pretty well,” Dhananjaya de Silva told reporters.
Furthermore, De Silva has reckoned that the Indian ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s absence would be a major setback for the visitors, adding that the hosts wouldn’t be taking Men In Blue on a lighter note in Bumrah’s absence.
“Even if India are missing some of their key players, I’m not going to take them lightly. They have several match-winners in their team. He (Bumrah) will be a big loss for India. But we’ve done our homework for them, and we’re well prepared for them,” he added.
Dhananjaya de Silva has also warned the Indian Test side, led by Shubman Gill, stating that hosts have an upper hand comparatively because of Prabath Jayasuriya’s presence in their line-up.
“Stats-wise, we have the upper hand. Prabath has played more matches than any other guy in the two teams, especially in Galle. He has had the upper hand over many touring batting lineups over the years. Plus-one to Sri Lanka, I would say,” he concluded.
