India vs Sri Lanka: 'Both the teams have even chances': SL captain Dasun Shanaka says both teams have numerous newcomers

The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will begin in Colombo on Sunday, July 18. The hosts will be led by their newly-appointed captain Dasun Shanaka and after undergoing an unexpected bout of quarantine due to a few positive cases in the camp, they will be eager to get back to winning ways.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of the curtain-raiser on Saturday, Shanaka stated that even though many tout India to win the series comprehensively, the battle will be even between the two sides.

FOLLOW LIVE BLOG: INDIA VS SRI LANKA 1ST ODI

"Both teams will start evenly because they (India) have got new players coming up. We all know that they have played IPL but still they haven’t played international cricket, so both the teams have even chances,” said Shanaka on the eve of the first ODI.

Shanka, who is currently 29, became Sri Lanka's 10th captain in the past four years on Friday. The side that will take on India was named late on Friday and asked whether that was an advantage, the right-hander said:

“Yes, a slight advantage because they (India) haven’t seen these guys in international cricket, as well, so yes, I feel they have to prepare well for these newcomers as well,” said Shanaka.

ALSO READ| India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: Head-to-head record, form guide and squads

On how challenging it is to lead Sri Lanka in current times, he said, “Ya, it is always challenging, you know international cricket and the outside (off the field) problems, it all matters, but end of the day you have to get to it and perform as a team, it is the main concern we all have, so I am sure that boys will look on to it.”

According to Shanaka his side would get a good experience after playing against India.

"The experience will be very good, you know playing against one of the top teams in the world, so it will be a very good to play with India at this point, because we can exactly measure the levels we are in, so it will be a good tournament for us,” he added.

Sri Lanka failed to win a single game on the UK tour during which their three players were sent back home for breaching the bio-bubble.

Now, they take on a young Indian side, which has travelled with six newcomers. In the absence of the senior squad's player, the 'Men in Blue' will be led by Shikhar Dhawan and is being coached by Rahul Dravid.

(With PTI inputs)