India vs Sri Lanka 2017: Dinesh Chandimal speaks about the Nagpur pitch

What’s the story?

Ahead of the second Test in Nagpur, Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal has dropped enough hints about the nature of the pitch at the VCA Stadium.

"We saw so much grass at Eden Gardens. This is much less. This looks a good Test pitch. It's a challenge for us as a team. We are looking forward to the game," Chandimal said.

The details

Chandimal also said that he expects Rangana Herath to have a bigger say on this surface compared to Kolkata, as the surface has less grass compared to Kolkata.

Apart from this, the skipper also said that he believed that his side will compete against a very 'strong' Indian side and has the ability to create a miracle.

Elaborating on the combination which might take the field on Friday, Chandimal said that he is looking to field a six-five combination or six-four - plus [an] all-rounder.

In case you didn’t know…

Sri Lanka dominated India for three days in Kolkata, before falling by the wayside on the final day as they collapsed and were saved by bad light.

Barring Suranga Lakmal, no other Sri Lankan bowlers were as effective on a bowler-friendly surface and this could prompt changes to the side.

What’s next?

India too have been forced to make changes to the side from the first Test as the selectors released Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan from the squad.

The second match will commence in Nagpur on Friday, November 24.

Author’s take

Sri Lanka did put India under pressure in the first Test. However, they could not drive home the advantage and this allowed the hosts to stage a comeback.

Chandimal and his team will have to recognise the fact that they need to win the crucial moments in the Test in order to force a result in their favour.

A green pitch will even things out for both the teams and it all boils down to temperament and application of the batsmen.