Sri Lanka Captain Dhananjaya de Silva Fires Warning Shot at India: “We Have the Upper Hand” in Galle

New Delhi:

The psychological warfare ahead of the highly anticipated India-Sri Lanka Test series appears to have begun, with Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva issuing a potent warning to the visiting Indian side. De Silva, speaking to TOI, emphasized Sri Lanka’s intimate knowledge of the Galle pitch and their strategic approach to exploit its evolving nature, particularly against an Indian team that has shown vulnerability to spin in recent times.

Galle: A Fortress of Spin and Strategic Patience

Galle, the venue for the opening Test, is renowned for its capacity to transform from a seemingly benign surface into a spinner’s paradise as the match progresses. De Silva articulated this understanding, noting, “Sri Lanka know what Galle — the venue for the first Test — can become. They know how quickly a pitch that looks inviting on the first morning can begin asking different questions by the third day. They know what happens when the ball starts gripping, when the rough comes into play and when a batter who has spent two days playing straight suddenly has to decide whether to attack, defend or simply survive.”

This strategic patience is central to Sri Lanka’s game plan. “International cricket is not easy. If we can take the games to the fourth and fifth day, we will have a greater chance to beat them,” De Silva stated. “I hope we make it as hard as possible for them and they are under the pump during the series.”

India’s Spin Struggles: A Wounded Giant?

De Silva acknowledged India’s recent struggles against spin, referencing their home Test series losses to New Zealand and South Africa within the last two years. However, he cautioned against underestimating a team of India’s caliber. “Well, India did lose two series (against New Zealand and South Africa) in India on turning wickets, but it’s not that they have forgotten how to play on turning wickets. They’ll surely be itching to make a comeback,” he remarked, expecting a formidable, albeit wounded, opponent.

A Sporting Wicket with a Spin Twist

Despite Galle’s reputation, De Silva does not anticipate a rank turner from day one. Recent rainfall in Sri Lanka suggests conditions will be more humid than dry, influencing pitch preparation. His preference is for a “sporting” surface, one that initially favors batsmen before gradually assisting the spinners. “Normally, we get spinning wickets in Sri Lanka. But currently, it’s raining here and weather conditions are not going to be dry,” he explained.

While spin remains their “primary line of attack,” De Silva was quick to highlight the balance in his squad. “We have a strong batting lineup as well, so I feel pitches will be sporting — helping batters in the first 2-3 days and then start turning. Spinners are going to be our primary line of attack. But, that said, we’ve some quality seamers in our team who can change the game,” he added.

Home Advantage: The Galle Expertise

The Sri Lankan captain believes their familiarity with the local conditions provides a distinct edge. “The difference is that it’s quite hard to get runs over here and the batters really need to dig in and show temperament to score sizeable number of runs,” De Silva emphasized. “We know how to approach our innings. We know when it’s going to start turning. Several batters become clueless when it turns and don’t know how to go about a knock in these conditions.”

A key weapon in Sri Lanka’s arsenal is left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who boasts an exceptional record at Galle. “Stats-wise, we have the upper hand. Prabath has played more matches than any other guys in the two teams, especially in Galle,” De Silva asserted. “He has had the upper hand over many touring batting lineups over the years. Plus-one to Sri Lanka, I would say.”

India’s Missing Links and Key Threats

While India will be without some prominent names, De Silva remains wary. “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 said. However, the absence of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah did not go unnoticed. “He (Bumrah) will be a big loss for India,” De Silva conceded, though he confirmed his team’s thorough preparation: “But we’ve done our homework for others and we’re well prepared for them.”

Looking at India’s batting lineup, De Silva identified opening batter KL Rahul as a significant threat due to his experience and past performances in Sri Lanka. “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.”

Momentum from West Indies Tour

Sri Lanka enters the series with boosted morale following a positive tour of the West Indies, where their batters notched centuries, pacers secured five-wicket hauls, and Jayasuriya continued his strong form. “In the second Test, we ran West Indies very close and had them on the backfoot,” De Silva remarked, adding, “That kind of performance boosts our confidence.”

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