Chandimal over the moon after series win over Pakistan

Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal celebrates victory on Tuesday

This was perhaps the apt reprisal, if ever there was one. After being humiliated in front of their own fans by India, and down and out, this was the perfect riposte by Sri Lanka. And Pakistan suffered the whiplash and were caught like a rabbit in the headlights.
Having wrapped up a rare Test series win, and against Pakistan in the UAE, Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal was over the moon.
"Surely, we are over the moon after winning the series. It was tough last night (Monday) and we did not expect dew will come but last night it was there. So it was tough for the spinners. We had more than 120 runs so we all knew specially in this session the ball will grip as we have two experienced spinners in Rangana (Herath) and Dilruwan (Perera). So, I knew they will do their job in this session and I am really happy with the way we played," Chandimal said after the game.
There were some harsh lessons learnt from that series against India and Sri Lanka put their head down and got down to work for this series.
"It was a tough series against India we lost 3-0 so it was tough time for everyone but we learn a lot of things from that series as a team and as individuals. The main thing is our attitude and it makes lot of difference. So, we started practice from the 18th of last month so everyone put their heart and soul in the practice. Even the management and the selectors really gave confidence to me and my team and that makes huge difference to build a confidence going forward," he said.
Sri Lanka inflicted Pakistan first home series loss since 2007 and Chandimal felt it was a privilege to do so as captain.
"I'm really happy as a captain. The guys really played some outstanding cricket and everyone had the hunger to. That is the attitude we had before this series and we worked to that and finally we got the result. So, I'm really privileged to win this series and doing as a captain," the 27-year-old said.
Chandimal said that a marked shift in attitude and bringing back the passion were the main factors they have been working on.
"As a team we respect each and every one so that is a culture we need to create so I'm hoping to get that culture and looking forward to play with the passion Sri Lanka did in the last two three years. As a captain I need to get that passion that Sri Lanka played in the past," said Chandimal.
"I'm just looking from the players, their commitment, attitude and discipline and that is what I am looking as a captain, to get that commitment, attitude and discipline.
james@khaleejtimes.com