Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan has thrown down the gauntlet at the Indian bowlers.

By Prateek Srivastava

Dilshan said that he would keep playing his shots in the Test series that starts on Monday.

"There will be no circumspection on my part. I have been quite successful with my approach so far and I do not see any reason to change it," he said during a press conference in Ahmedabad on Saturday, before the first Test between India and Sri Lanka begins at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera.

Talking about his belligerent scoop stroke, which has fetched him many runs of late, Dilshan said, "There is no technique to it. It comes naturally to me. Confidence is the key."

Dilshan, the ICC T20 Cricketer of the Year, said that batting up the order has brought about a big turnaround in his career. "Previously I batted at number six and at that position one is always under pressure. As an opener I can play my shots and that's what I have been doing quite successfully," he said.

Super Selector: Stage 2 is about to commence with new game rules and transfer deadlines, Start picking your 11 and win Great Prizes!

Dilshan, who plays for Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League, believes his familiarity with Indian wickets will stand him in good stead in the Tests. "Indian pitches are suitable to my game. Having played in the IPL and the Champions League, now I know Indian pitches inside out. So I am looking forward to the series.

"I know my responsibility as an opener is huge. I hope I live up to the expectations," he added.

Also, removing all doubts over his ankle injury, he said, "So far it looks alright. I am hoping to play the first Test. But the team management will take the final decision on it."

Want to know all about numbers on the field? Ask our own stats guru Rajesh Kumar. Send in your queries to fanspeak@espnstar.co.in