Sangakkara wants Lanka to play with arrogance vs India

Sri Lanka must defy favourites India with grit and arrogance of youth in their must-win ICC Champions Trophy match, former captain Kumar Sangakkara has said.

After being thrashed by South Africa, Sri Lanka find themselves in a do-or-die situation ahead of the match on Thursday.

"I would personally like this young Sri Lanka side to walk out at The Oval and play with the arrogance and abandon of youth. They should express their talent and play a really positive brand of cricket," Sangakkara wrote in his column for the ICC.

In a blow to the Island nation, captain Upul Tharanga has been suspended for two matches due to serious overrate offence and prolific Angelo Mathews is also doubtful due to fitness issues.

Sangakkara said it's not an ideal situation for Sri Lanka.

"If Mathews is deemed unavailable for this vital clash, it could severely hamper the team’s chances of winning against India. Even if Angelo is considered fit, the threat of slow over-rate will be a major concern. Having Tharanga suspended is a huge waste," the former captain wrote.

Sangakkara laid the blame with seniors for Tharanga's ill-timed suspension.

"With quite an experienced and senior bowling attack led by Lasith Malinga, a team constituting two spinners, it is unacceptable that Lanka was over by 39 minutes. "Even though the captain is penalised more for such offences, it should be the responsibility of senior bowlers to push themselves to properly address and rectify the situation. The wicketkeeper and fielders also have to play their part with sustained urgency."

Sangakkara also felt that taking wickets in the first 10 overs will be crucial for Sri Lanka against India. He is also pleased with the way Indian bowling, especially the pacers, has improved.

He also said despite defeat, Lanka had a lot to take from the defeat against the Proteas and it definitely has in it to shock India.