Sri Lanka captain Shanaka ahead of Asia Cup 2022: We must deliver for our countrymen

The skipper is keen to give Sri Lankan people some respite from the economic crisis they face at home.

FILE PHOTO: Dasun Shanaka (right) will lead Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022 in UAE, starting Saturday. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka said that while India is a strong contender at the Asia Cup 2022, his side should not be discounted.

“India is a leading side, but in T20 cricket, there are no favourites. If we play good cricket, we can be the favourites,” Shanaka said in a media interaction here on Friday.

On the tournament being moved from Sri Lanka to the UAE, Shanaka said, “Had this tournament happened in Sri Lanka, it would have favoured us as the ground support would have been good. Playing in home conditions always has an advantage.”

The skipper is keen to give Sri Lankan people some respite from the economic crisis they face at home. “Winning matches is the most thrilling thing for Sri Lankan people. We must deliver to our countrymen,” Shanaka said.