xtratime Logo

[caption id="attachment_50980" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Asanka Gurusinha's favourite Indian batsman is skipper Virat Kohli. Image Source: XtraTime[/caption] Debasis Sen, Galle: The first impression of former Sri Lanka batsman Asanka Gurusinha reminds us about a batsman around whom the Sri Lankan batting revolved around during the mid 80s to the mid 90s. The former Sri Lanka batsman played a crucial part in helping Sri Lanka win the 1996 World Cup. The 50 year old is now the Manager of Sri Lanka Cricket. As the Sri Lankan team were about to wind up their practice session, the gentleman cricketer obliged for a brief chat at the sidelines of the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Talking about the test series, Gurusinha feel, “It’s going to be a very interesting, challenging series. When you’re playing the No 1 side in the world, it’s going to be tough cricket,” says Gurusinha. India should start the series as overwhelming favourites considering they are up against a side who are going through a transition phase. But Gurusinha has problem with the word transition. “You can’t just keep saying ‘we’re in transition from early last year. I think now the players also understand their responsibility. They need to be accountable for what they do, and they’re doing that very well,” says Gurusinha. Veteran Rangana Herath will be leading Sri Lanka in the first test match against India tomorrow here as Dinesh Chandimal is down with viral fever. On being asked how big a task will that be for Herath, Gurusinha says, “I think he’s experienced enough to not get worried about it. He’s handle it well. I think it’s his commitment. He’s a perfectionist so he wants to perfect every ball he bowls.” Like Arjuna Ranatunga, Gurusinha also feels both Sangakkara and Mahela should involve themselves with Sri Lankan cricket to take the team forward. “I’ll be happy if Mahela and Sanga can also help us in some way, maybe as consultants. But they’ve their own commitments,” says Guraa (as he is popularly called by that name) Not only Gurusinha, but a lot of 1996 World Cup winning squad including Chaminda Vaas , Hashan Tilekaratna and Sanath Jaysurya are associated with this current Sri Lanka team. Talking about the 1996 World Cup win, Gurusinha still treasures the semi final win against India at the Eden Gardens. “Nobody expected us to do so. Even though the game had to be stopped (due to crowd trouble), we went on to go through to the finals in front of a capacity crowd. It still remains fresh in my mind.” Lastly on being asked who his favourite Indian batsman is, he immediately prompts the name of Virat Kohli. “It’s not just the runs that he’s (Virat) scored. From what I’ve seen, it’s his preparation that speaks a lot about him. And that’s what I like about Virat. It’s a lot like Sachin used to work hard behind the scenes, which people didn’t get to see. That’s exactly what Virat’s doing. He’s leading from the front. Because the other players need to follow him since he’s the captain. He’s a great player to watch. I’ve only met him a couple of times, but I think he’s a great guy,” signs off Gurusinha.