Chandimal focused on the task at hand

It is not an ideal situation for Dinesh Chandimal whose team has repeatedly been outclassed by India. Worst, with a Test match to go, their opposition are already focusing on their upcoming tour to South Africa.

If this made the visitors feel a tad insulted, Chandimal was smart not to reveal it. However, going by what the pitches offered, he did question India's plans. According to Sri Lankan captain, the pitch at Kotla was quite similar to Nagpur.

"If you look at the wicket here, I'm not sure they've prepared it for South Africa. It looks like the Nagpur pitch," Chandimal told reporters on Friday. "The Kolkata track was similar to the ones in South Africa but these two are not like that. So, I'm also surprised, they are saying they're preparing for South Africa and they've given these kind of wickets."

"We never underestimate any team. We have to give our best. It's up to them that they are thinking about the next series. We as a team are thinking about this series. As a team we need to control what we can," he said."

While India and Sri Lanka seamers dominated the Kolkata Test, claiming 32 wickets, the Nagpur pitch was better-suited to the spinners. Looking back at the innings loss, Chandimal defended senior player Angelo Mathews and said others players too need to stand up.

"Angelo is the senior batsman in our batting line up but there are other senior batsmen and youngsters who have to take the responsibility when they are in the middle. Others also have to stand up," he said.

"That's a problem we have over the last  one-and-half years. The top five batsmen have to play a long innings. That's what we lost in the last one year. In the last game the batting let us down. We had a really good chat after the second Test and really good meetings. As a team we have something up in our sleeve. I am sure they will come up with different ideas in the next game and perform at their best."

With Rangana Herath out due to injury, Chandimal admitted there would be a few changes in their line-up. "Rangana is a big loss. Unfortunately, he's got a back injury. But we have Lakshan Sandakan and Jeffrey Vandersay in our ranks. They have a good opportunity to play. We haven't decided on anything yet but most probably we are going to do a few changes."

Chandimal said they remain hopeful of coming back in the series. "Of course that's what as a team we are looking at we have never won a Test match here. Still I have hope we can win this game. As a team we need to do well on that day. Definitely, we can compete with the Indians. That's what we are looking forward to," he said.