Aravinda de Silva: No way you can call any side second string

Aravinda de Silva

Aravinda de Silva, one of the key players in Arjuna Ranatunga's success as Sri Lanka's captain, hit back at the 1996 World Cup-winning skipper for his recent ‘second string Indian side' comment.

Ranatunga reportedly said that the Indian team sans superstars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are an "insult" to Sri Lanka cricket as the two nations prepare to lock horns for three ODIs and T20Is in Colombo from July 13.

De Silva, also known as Mad Max, did not hold back when asked for his reaction. "I personally think any side could come and play exciting cricket. And India as you know, have got an enormous amount of talent going around at the moment. There is no way you can call any side second string. If you look at the current way of handling players [due to Covid-19 pandemic], there is a rotation policy taking place. There will come a stage that players will be rotated and even some officials because it [bio-secure bubble] is taking a toll. I think this method is for the future. It is not like a second string or third string team, it is rotational policy," said De Silva during a virtual press conference organised by broadcaster Sony Pictures Network. Former India cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Ajay Jadeja will be television experts for the series.

De Silva also came down heavily on veteran Angelo Mathews for pulling out of the India series. There are reports that the former skipper is considering international retirement. "It's a pity if he has decided to quit at this stage," said De Silva, adding that the Lankan star should have shown "spirit and character" and handled this issue in a mature fashion.

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