Farveez Maharoof comes up with a bold statement for Team India ahead of the IND vs SL Test series

Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has backed his country for the upcoming two-match Test series against India starting on August 15. He believes Sri Lanka has a golden opportunity to defeat India. During a discussion about the series, he noted that Sri Lanka has rarely succeeded in beating India over the past few years, whether playing at home or away. The Indian team had defeated Sri Lanka quite easily on their home turf during the last two tours under Virat Kohli's captaincy.

"This is their best chance to beat India at home because not on many occasions Sri Lanka has beaten India, be it at home or away," Maharoof told reporters ahead of the first Test in Galle,"  Maharoof said. 

He emphasized that Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva would have a golden chance to etch his name in the record books. He also acknowledged that the Indian team is currently struggling in Test cricket. 

Maharoof added that experienced batsman Dinesh Chandimal would be a crucial player for Sri Lanka in the series. He believes that Chandimal's experience and past performances against India make him a vital asset for the host team. As Sri Lanka's most experienced batsman, he plays at the number three position; he holds fond memories of facing bowlers like Ashwin and Amit Mishra from previous tours, and this time, Team India possesses an inexperienced spin attack. Chandimal holds an impressive record against India. He has amassed 750 runs in 8 Tests and 16 innings at an average of 50.00, including two centuries and three fifties.

“He is, I think, to bat at number three. He is the most experienced player and the former captain. The onus will be on him. I still remember this century, this third-inning hundred scored against likes of (Ravichandran) Ashwin, Amit Mishra. I think these are the happy memories he will carry into the match," Maharoof said.

"It is all about that one day, facing that one delivery. The concentration will be tested, not only for him, but for all batters in that humidity. Chandimal has played so much cricket, he knows what it takes to score against India. He is going to be an important cog in the wheel," he added.