Chandimal dig: India preparing for South Africa on flat tracks

Starting from skipper Virat Kohli, each and every Indian player, during interactions with media, spoke about how pitches against Sri Lanka have been prepared keeping the tour of South Africa in mind.

"I am surprised they are saying they are preparing for South Africa but they are giving these pitches," Chandimal's sarcasm was not lost on anyone.

"If you look at the wicket here (Kotla), I am not sure they are preparing for South Africa! It looks like a Nagpur pitch (where 610 runs were scored). The Kolkata pitch was similar to South African pitches but these two are not like that. We never underestimate any team and we need to give our best."

When asked if the Sri Lankan team felt disrespected that the discussions were only about South Africa, Chandimal said, "They are thinking about the next series but we as a team are thinking about this series, and we are thinking abut each and every game. About how we can win. We can't control what they thiunk. As a team we can control what we can control."

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal on Friday came to under-fire Angelo Mathews' defence, making it clear that not only him but all other top order batsmen also need to perform.

Asked if the senior pro needs to step up, Chandimal replied: "Mathews is a senior batsman we have got in our batting line up but it's not only him there are other senior batsmen also. And even for the youngsters, they all have to take the responsibility when they are out there in the middle.

"So it's not only about Angelo but also about others, who have to stand up and perform in the middle," he added.