Shikhar Dhawan | ‘We don’t care’: Shikhar Dhawan’s outspoken response to ex-cricketer’s absurd statement

Captain Shikhar Dhawan is not bothered by former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga calling the Indian team that toured Sri Lanka second-class and he does not mind such statements. Dhawan said ahead of the first ODI against the hosts that he looks to be on a winning path against the Sri Lankan youth team.

Just before the ODI series, Shikhar Dhawan said during a media interaction, I think this Sri Lankan team is a young team and they have good players. If he (Ranatunga) thinks this is a second-rate team, that is his sentiment. We will go ahead and play against Sri Lanka. This is an international match. We have to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s newly-appointed ODI captain Dashun Shanaka said the series with India would be a big challenge without the senior players. All-rounder Shanaka has been given the reins after Kusal Perera was ruled out due to a shoulder injury last week.

The country is going through one of the toughest phases in cricket history as it has to face the current strong Indian team without some big names. Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne are prominent among these players.

Sri Lanka Cricket has also suspended three top-order batsmen Kushal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Dhanushka Gunathilaka for violating the Covid-19 bio bubble during their previous series in England.

The remaining experienced players included in the current squad are Avishka Fernando, Dhananjay de Silva and Isiru Udana. However, Shanaka said that both the teams will start equally as both are missing the seniors as some Indian players are also in England.

“We know that some Indian players who have come to Sri Lanka have played in the IPL, but not in international cricket. So both the teams will have chances as well. Shanaka, however, said that although he has no control over the win, he is confident that his team can put up a good fight.