While Virat Kohli will play his milestone 100th Test, it will be a big day for Sri Lankan players as well. The visitors will play their 300th Test. Ahead of the milestone Test at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, skipper Dimuth Karunaratne has revealed a few major changes including the comeback of their veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella. The wicketkeeper was banned for one year by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for breaching the bio-bubble in England last year. However, the ban was cut-short later and he was recalled to the Sri Lankan side for India tour.
"Dickwella will be the wicketkeeper, (pacer) Dushmantha Chameera will be rested and will be available for the pink ball Test and Mendis has been ruled out," Karunaratne said on the eve of the iconic Test.
Meanwhile, The 33-year-old did not expect that he will be given the honour to lead his country in the 300th Test.
"That's a great feeling...captaining in the country's 300th Test. I did not expect it. It is a great honour for me. I will try my best to give the best result for Sri Lanka,"
He also lauded Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to allow 50 per cent crowd.
"I came to know it is Virat's 100th Test. A good decision from the BCCI to allow 50 per cent crowd," he added.
Going into the first Test of the two-Test series, hosts India are considered as favourites, especially considering their record against touring teams. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be on a mission to register their maiden Test win on Indian soil.
"Sri Lankan players have been training hard and everybody is in good shape. Hopefully they will produce good form in the two Tests," the left-handed opener said.
With Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara getting dropped from the Test squad, India are set to make a couple of major changes in the batting order. Karunaratne’s brigade has its work cut out for the inexperienced Indian batters who will be filling in the big shoes of Rahane and Pujara.
"Yeah, we have a few plans. some youngsters are playing... they are supposed to fill Rahane and Pujara's place. We are trying to execute the plans,” the southpaw revealed.
