"We didn't have a good [T20] World Cup so we need to step up," Shanaka said in Mumbai before the opening T20I. "We are looking forward to do well in this series.

"India is one of the better sides. What we need to do is to play good cricket. In the World Cup year, it is very much important, this T20 and ODI series, because most of the guys haven't played in India. It's the first chance for many of the youngsters to play in the international side so [it's a chance to learn] about situations on the ground. So this series will be very much important."

But that was in Australia. Shanaka pointed out that Sri Lanka would be more familiar with the conditions in India anyway, and that could help them.

"I think the conditions matter, the Asia pitches and Australia conditions are very different," he said. "Many of the superstars did not perform [well] in Australian conditions. But when it comes to Asia, we know the conditions really well. It's important how everyone starts and controls the game."

"LPL is a good platform for the youngsters because they get international exposure, but still it's not in the standard of the IPL or Big Bash," Shanaka said. "LPL is like a platform for the international level [although] playing at international level is very much different. A few youngsters are with us, those who did well in the LPL so they're looking forward to get some experience from this tour."