Kolkata: Board President’s XI will play a two-day practice match against Sri Lanka which is starting from tomorrow. Ahead of that Board President’s XI captain Sanju Samson looked confident as according to him this Sri Lanka side is pretty new and his side has plans ready against the visitors.
“It’s a very good quality side. They have lot of talented and experienced players also. As I said before, it’s a great chance to play against a very good Test side. So we will be looking forward to beat them in the coming match tomorrow. There are a lot of new guys in the Sri Lankan team so we will take some time to know them. It’s a very short thing. We don’t have enough time to look at their team and plan accordingly.”
Asked about Rangana Herath, he said: “He is a very experienced guy and it’s a practice match for him but a great opportunity for us to play a bowler like him. He is a legend and one of the greatest spinners Sri Lanka has ever seen. It’s a great opportunity for us to go out and play him.”
Asked about captaincy, he said: “Naman bhai was leading the side. He got injured and then I came to know about this. I don’t remember the exact time but the message came from BCCI. I have led Kerala team for a season and I think I can do it.”
“We are playing one match. It’s only a one two-day format and we all know eachother well. We have been playing in the domestic season, matches from many years before and we know eachother. We have played against (each other) and also together. So we know eachother well to have a good match tomorrow,” he added.
“We will have a team strategy. It’s a practice match for them but it’s not a practice match for us. Every individual in the team has really put their heart together to perform very well in the past and it’s a great opportunity for them. It’s only one match but it’s a great opportunity for each and everyone. We should take this as a great chance to perform and go there and succeed,” he added.