Kumar Sangakkara, captain of Deccan Chargers, expressed his delight at the fact that the Sri Lankan players can stay back longer to represent their respective franchisees in the on-going Indian Premier League.
“It is a welcome agreement between the cricket Boards of India and Sri Lanka. For it allows us to play longer in the IPL and also lets us take part in a practice game before the England series which will be played under difficult conditions,” the Chargers captain said here on Friday.
“I have always said that the players will abide by the decision of the Sri Lankan board on this subject,” he said.
Sangakkara did not feel that after he leaves for national duty, Chargers would be depleted. “I don't think so. There are quite a few internationals capable of rising to the occasion, taking up the leadership and the responsibility,” he remarked.
On Dilshan Tillekaratne being appointed captain of Sri Lankan team, Sangakarra felt it should be a tough year but that he was capable of seeing the team through.
On Sunday's clash with Mumbai Indians Sangakarra said, “we hope our guys will do the right things at the right time in front of what one understands should be a capacity crowd.
“There are many batters and bowlers who have done well. But for me Paul Valthaty of Kings XI Punjab has been the surprise hero so far in this IPL edition. He is a cut above the rest,” said Sangakarra.
