A 1-0 lead has changed the entire approach of Perera going into Mohali game. Another win could well change the scene for Sri Lankan cricket, which has been marred by internal feud and payment crisis.
With a streak of 12 consecutive losses over last five months chasing his team, Thisara Perera took over captaincy hoping to reverse the losing streak. He marshalled his limited resources successfully in Dharamsala, using his main weapon — Suranga Lakmal — on a trot.
Even his otherwise shaky batting line-up responded well in the time of crisis, with his predecessor Upul Tharanga taking the lead role.
A 1-0 lead has changed the entire approach of Perera going into Mohali game. Another win could well change the scene for Sri Lankan cricket, which has been marred by internal feud and payment crisis.
"This is a fine opportunity to win the series," said the new Sri Lankan ODI skipper. "If we just do our job we might be able to do something special, but the first game is history. We need to put that behind. I know this is a good opportunity for us to win. I don't think anyone else has done that in the last few years. It's a good chance for us as we are leading the series."
Perera understands that it's been quite some time since his team won any game, except for that inconsequential ODI against against Zimbabwe in Hambantota July 6. And not to forget how the visiting India decimated them at their backyard, winning all nine games of the tour.
"There is no pressure on us. This is just another game. It (the win) was a very good one. We had gone 12 games without a win so it felt good," Perera obviously looked happy after Lanka's only fifth win in 27 games this year.
It is no secret that Sri Lanka have never won a bilateral series in India. They came closest during the 1997-98 season when the series was drawn 1-1 after the second game in Indore was called off due to a dangerous pitch.
On the other hand, India last lost a series (2-3) at home during the 2015-16 season against South Africa.
"I know the conditions here. As usual, it looks a very good batting wicket. It will be a high scoring game. We have to handle situations well," said the skipper.
Perera announced that Lakmal, who has carried a niggle from the Test series, was fit to play the upcoming game. However, Sri Lankan mystery spinner Akila Dananjaya has been ruled out without disclosing the reason.
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