Ready for challenge: Vijay

Colombo, August 4

Skipper Virat Kohli's strategy to field five bowlers would put extra pressure on the batsmen, especially the openers. India opener Murali Vijay, however, isn't complaining. He sees it more of a challenge than a responsibility that could bog them down.

“It's not demanding, it's actually a good challenge, it's a good responsibility to have. If you are looking to dominate a Test match, you have to perform as a team. You should have plans and then need to work accordingly,” said Vijay during the team's first interaction with the press after landing in Colombo.

Vijay sounded happy at the growing competition at the top of the order — Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul are fighting hard for the other spot of the opening pair.

“It's going to keep everyone on their toes. It's a good challenge and good thing to have in the team,” he said.

With two fairly young sides up against each other, Vijay hopes it will be a good contest. After Kumar Sangakkara's retirement after the second Test, Sri Lanka will be without two of their most experienced batsmen — Mahela Jayawardene has already retired. Their absence, Vijay feels, could give India the upper hand.

“With Jayawardene already gone and Sangakkara leaving after the second Test in this series, there will be a big hole in their batting line-up. I think it could work to our advantage,” he said.

The Indian Test squad, too, is going through a transition. With Kohli taking over from MS Dhoni, Vijay has high hopes from the young team.

“We have been playing abroad for the last two seasons. We are playing in the Subcontinent after a while, a home series is coming up next. It's going to be exciting time for the individuals as well as the team,” he said.

Vijay made a wonderful 150 against Bangladesh in the one-off Test. He's looking to carry that momentum into this series.

“With more opportunities, I am really enjoying my game. I am now mentally more prepared than I was earlier,” he said, talking about his fearless approach.

“I don't like to go deep into things. I like doing my stuff and if it helps the team, then I just go for it.” India will play a lot at home after the Sri Lanka tour, but Vijay feels home series, too, are full of challenges.

“Playing international cricket in itself is a challenge. There's no home and away thing in my view. Every series has its challenges, we have to lift and adapt our game according to the situation,” he said. —PTI