Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka feels the upcoming tour of India is very important as the World Cup will be played in Indian conditions later in the year. Thus, it will be a great opportunity for the Lankan Lions to get acclimatize to the conditions.

Sri Lankan players will look to hit the ground running in the T20I series and they will also play the three-match ODI series against the home team. The visitors have a lot of talent in the team and they will look to take their chances.

“With the World Cup scheduled in India this year, the T20 and ODI series are very important because most of the guys in the side have not played in India. Definitely, this will give us exposure in a lot of grounds and conditions and playing against India will be good preparation for the World Cup,” said Shanaka.

Shanaka added that the first game of the series will be crucial and they will be looking to make a winning start to the series.

“The first game is really important. India have totally changed their lineup. We also got some experience in our camp. We are looking forward to the first game, we must do well in the first game which sets the tone for the other games,” Shanaka added.

Meanwhile, Shanaka admitted his team wasn’t at their best in the World Cup as they were knocked out of the Super 12 stage and they will be looking to give their best in the series.

“We didn’t have a good World Cup, so we would look to step up and do well in this series. Many of our superstars didn’t do well in Australia. But when it comes to Asia, we know the conditions and pitches well. It’s important to start well,” said Shanaka.

The all-rounder admitted India is always a force to reckon with in their own conditions.

“India is always a better side, what we need to do is to play good cricket against India. It’s always tough against India in India. But we have a good team, looking forward to a good series,” Shanaka added.

The first T20I will be played in Mumbai on Tuesday.