Galle Gladiators confident of making it to the play-offs sans Kusal Perera

Galle Gladiators skipper Kusal Mendis sounded confident that his team could make it to the Lanka Premier League play-offs even without star batter Kusal Perera.

Speaking to the media at a virtual conference yesterday, Mendis said that they had not got any confirmation on the availability of Perera for the tournament and was doubtful whether he would play at all. Perera was named in the Galle squad of 22 players but has yet not made an appearance in the tournament so far.

“We have not got any news from the team physio that Kusal can play. I don’t think he will be available for the matches ahead. If he is, it will be a big advantage for us. We are playing Thanuka Dabare in his place,” said Mendis.

Dabare is one of the younger players who has seized the opportunity with both hands along with another batsman Nuwanidu Fernando.

“I’ve told Dabare and Nuwanidu to play their normal game not to put too much into their head and get under pressure but to play as if they are performing in a club match. Dabare played his normal game (against Colombo Kings) and when you have someone doing that it takes a lot of pressure off me. I was able to get to a 50 because Dabare played his part well,” said Mendis.

“What I have told the other batters also, is to play their normal game. My role is to bat as long as possible in the middle so that in the death overs it is easy to go for the runs. I think it happened in the last two games and I hope to continue the same way for the rest of the tournament.”

Galle, currently fourth in the standings, are confident of making it to the play-offs as two of their remaining three matches are against a struggling Dambulla Aura who are yet without a win and are at the bottom of the pile.

“We have two games against Dambulla and we are hoping to win at least two of our last three games. I think we can reach the semi-finals with this team which is a well-balanced side. It’s a good enough team to make it to the semi-finals,” said Mendis.

“What is important is the fielding. I tell my fielders to give 100 percent on the field. What we can control is the fielding. Batting and bowling we cannot be sure. If you perform well on the field there is a 60 percent chance of winning. I am enjoying my captaincy and playing under pressure helps me.” (ST)