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Memories of the first Test match at Galle back in 2015 are still fresh in the minds of this Indian team for two reasons. One - for the way they had to suffer a 63-run defeat wherein RanganaHerath was lethal with a seven wicket haul in the second innings and two – for the way the team came back stronger from the defeat to seal the series 2-1. For Captain Virat Kohli, that Test series was a learning curve for this young bunch that he believes now has the capability to win Test series anywhere. 

“It’s pretty different sitting here two years after that particular series because that particular series was very important in us coming together as a team in believing that we can win series and not just matches,” Virat said, on the eve of the 1st Test at Galle. “That was the beginning of that mindset and we were able to build on that mindset in the last couple of years, training a certain way, thinking about the game a certain way and playing together as a team a certain way. 

“I think we have built a really good base for us as a team to be able to do that consistently over the next few years. We are pretty humble in our preparations and do the hard yards every game that we play. Next phase of cricket is going to be challenging but something that we are really looking forward to because we believe we have the kind of skill required to win in different conditions as well. We have all bases covered strongly.”

Bases covered, yes, but the biggest threat that looms large for the team is that of spinner and stand-in captain for the 1st Test – RanganaHerath. A seven wicket haul that got India bundled out for 112 in the run-chase definitely makes for good reading but Virat was confident of a positive show against the finger spinner. “You know, he’s a quality bowler. Last time he really dented us in that small chase. It’s something that actually was a great eye opener for us. We worked on those things in the next two games and we were able to win the series. 

“He played both the games and the ball was still doing a bit. I think our batsmen came up with the goods and they had the counter plans in place. So we understand what he brings to the table and understand what needs to be done. I’m sure everyone is taking personal responsibilities to plan their innings in a certain way and play bowlers according to how they bowl and what areas they hit and the shots that are required to counter that. We’ve come a long way from that tour and we believe in our batsmen to deliver the goods when it’s required by the team the most.”

Batsmen outside, Virat also stressed on the importance to back the batsmen with good bowling performances. “The last time, we played here, we felt we were a batsman short in the first Test and the fifth bowler didn’t do much in the game. In the next two games in that tour, we played an all-rounder and that made all the difference. We have those options open as well. We have great balance in the side. We’ve got a guy like Hardik Pandya who is a wicket-taking bowler. Every game that he plays, on any surface, he has a knack of picking wickets. He has a great chance of playing as well. That gives us balance. The extra batsmen would give us more solidity. We’ve taken learnings from that and we’ll surely apply those straight away in the series instead of getting a feel of how things will go. You need to have your best strike bowlers in order to pick up twenty wickets.”