Colombo, Aug 14: Virat Kohli's meteoric rise in recent times has prompted the Sri Lankan cricket team to devise a game plan for the Indian batsman ahead of next month's T20 World Cup, according to opener Tillakaratne Dilshan.
“We are not meeting them in the first round. If we have to meet India in the Super Eights or the semifinals then we have to plan against him,” Dilshan told PTI from Colombo.
Dilshan, who is leading the Basnahira Cricket Dundee side in the inaugural edition of the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL), rated Kohli as one of the best young players in world cricket at the moment.
“He is batting really well not just the last month but since the 2011 World Cup. He is scoring heavily and enjoying a great form. He is one of the best young players I have ever seen. For me, if he continues to bat like this then it's not easy to get him out.
“We planned for him in the recently-played series but it was not easy to get him out. Twenty20 is a different format as compared to 50-over. He is a fantastic player and playing really good cricket at the moment,” the Sri Lankan added.
On the issue of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Dilshan's IPL side, failing to pay the first installment of their salaries for season 5 held in April-May, the Sri Lankan said, “We got a little bit of money last week. We spoke to the management and I think they are going to sort this matter out as soon as possible.”
“Some payment is still due but I am not worried about that. I know the owners are going to clear the dues and pay us within next month. I know they will pay us our money.”
