'I need to improve' - Kapugedara

Dilanka Mannakkara

Chamara Kapugedara has been quite an enigma. He blasted in to the scene as a talented 18 year old boy who blasted 150 kmph Brett Lee deliveries to the stands. But in the recent past his form has dipped and his strike rate has been below par and his average is at a low 22. Daily News went on to find out just why.

Q: After playing in 86 games you still average a low 22 and the strike rate is 72. Does this bother you?

A: Well I get to bat at number seven and sometimes I don't get to face enough balls to settle down. When the team is under pressure I can't have a strike rate at 100 and 30 average.

I am happy with my strike rate and average at the moment but I need to improve.

Q: You are a genuine middle order player and you bat at number four for your club NCC as well as for Kandurata province. Is batting at number seven for the Sri Lanka team difficult?

A: I would like to bat in the middle order so I can have few more overs to get my eye in and then go for the big shots.

But my role in the team is to bat in the lower middle order which is one of the most difficult positions to bat, but I don't have any complaints. If the team needs me to play a different role I am happy to oblige.

Q: Batting at number seven for Sri Lanka, you have been compared to some of the very best finishers in the game Dhoni, Hussey, Morgan and Yusuf Patahn.

A: Well all of them are different and I am a different player. I don't think Dhoni bats at number seven; he bats at number three, number four and sometimes at six so he has that advantage. Morgan bats at number five and he is a good player so I need to work on my game and move forward.

Q: Batting at number seven where 90 plus strike rates are needed, your 72 strike rate is not a worry for you?

A: Well whenever I come to bat with a few overs to spare I usually end up with a strike rate of 100, so it's a not a huge worry for me.

Q: Critics claim that you had a lot of chances most other players did not get and still you have not capitalized on them. Care to comment?

A: Each person has different opinions and they can criticize but they do not know how hard it is to bat in this position.

As I said number seven is the most difficult position to bat and you don't get a big chance to hit 100s and 50s.

I think I have done quite well batting at number and I have played quite a few match winning knocks.

Q: Can you name some of your favourite knocks in ODIs?

A: I hit a 95 against West Indies but unfortunately we lost the match in the last ball where Chanderpaul hit a six.

I played a match winning knock against India in the T 20 world Cup and I have a hit a few 50s too. Frankly I am quite happy with my record but I feel need to improve.

Q: Although you have played a lot of ODIs you have not played test cricket much. How hungry are you for tests?

A: I want to play test matches and hopefully will get my chance soon.

I have done quite well in the few tests. My last match was in 2008.

Q: We know that you are a handy medium pacer and Sangakkara hinted that you will bowl a few overs during the World Cup. Have you improved your bowling?

A: I had a few injuries to my shoulder and that's why I couldn't bowl much in the recent past.

I bowled in a few games and I worked on my bowling so I think I am ready to bowl a few cutters.

Q: You will play in front of a huge home crowd, would it add any pressure?

A: I don't think playing in front of a home crowd will exert any pressure on us.

In fact I feel that it would be a great advantage to play in front of your supporters. I am very privileged to play for the World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Q: Who are the dark horses for the World Cup according to you?

A: I think Bangladesh will be the force as they were in the 2007 World Cup.

They are playing most of their games at home and they have a bunch of talented players so they could surprise quite a few teams.

Q: What is your message to the cricket loving public?

A: Support Sri Lanka in every way possible during the World Cup and support me and each and very player of the team.