Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has taken a dig at Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga for his remarks on the Indian team.
Ranatunga had earlier called the Shikhar Dhawan-led Indian side a 'second-string team’ and criticised the Sri Lanka Cricket for hosting them in the country. Attack by Ranatunga led to SLC issuing an unusual clarification maintaining the quality of the Indian side that have landed on Lankan shore for an ODI and T20 series.
"Ranatunga has made the statement just to stay in the limelight. India is one such nation that contains 50-60 players and can make two international teams. Many players, including Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, have been with the Indian team for a while. It is sad to hear such a statement from cricket of your stature,” Kaneria said on his Youtube channel.
The spinner also criticised the way Sri Lanka have fared against England after they lost both T20I and ODI series away from home.
"Sri Lankan cricket is on the decline. Look at the way they are playing the series in England. It is as if they have forgotten playing cricket. The Sri Lankan board should feel blessed that India is sending a team to help the board will be out of a financial crisis," Kaneria signed off.
India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in a three-match ODI series and as many T20Is. All the matches will take place in Colombo.