Former India Team Director Ravi Shastri has warned Virat Kohli and his men of complacency ahead of their second Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 against Sri Lanka on Thursday. After a near flawless demolition of Pakistan, India will eye another dominant performance to seal a semi-final berth in the tournament. Having decimated Pakistan by 124 runs, India will start as overwhelming favourites against Sri Lanka, who looked in total disarray during their 96-run defeat at the hands of South Africa.
Contrasting performances aside, the sheer difference in quality also puts India a few notches ahead of the cricketers from the island nation.
Shastri said although India will have the momentum, they should not take Sri Lanka lightly.
"India have the momentum with them going into the match against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka also have an inexperienced team with a lot of youngsters. But they do have a lot of adventurous players who play freely. So, India should not be relaxed or complacent. They are the favourites but they shouldn't be complacent," Shastri told India TV from London.
India ticked most of the boxes in their victory against Pakistan and the defending champions boast a formidable batting line-up, which is being backed very well by a potent bowling attack.
Shastri felt captain Kohli will not tinker with the line-up and would go with the same team against the Lankans.
"I don't think Virat will tinker with the playing XI. They should first aim to qualify for the semis and they should not take any chances," he said.
Shastri also praised Kohli for his matured show in the big game against arch-rivals Pakistan and said that the 28-year-old Delhi stalwart will only evolve as captain in the future.
"Virat played with a lot of maturity against Pakistan. He tried to take less chances and looked to spend some time in the wicket. This will definitely help him in the tournament. Also, Yuvraj Singh took a lot of pressure on himself which allowed Virat to play freely.
"Also, Virat's calmness against Pakistan was good to see. He will evolve as a captain with time," he said.
